Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has launched the party’s manifesto ahead of the upcoming Delhi assembly election, placing a strong emphasis on middle-class welfare. The manifesto, described as a seven-point agenda, also serves as a direct appeal to the central government to include these proposals in the Union Budget. Kejriwal’s vision is centered on addressing the core issues affecting the middle class, ranging from education and healthcare to tax relief and senior citizen welfare.
Key Highlights of the Manifesto
The manifesto proposes transformative measures to ease financial burdens and improve access to essential services for the middle class. Kejriwal outlined specific demands to achieve these goals:
- Increased Education Spending
The manifesto demands a tenfold increase in the education budget, proposing that 10% of the Union Budget be allocated to education, as opposed to the current 2%. Additionally, it calls for regulations to cap private school fees, making quality education affordable for all. Subsidies and scholarships for higher education are also highlighted to improve accessibility for middle-class students. - Boost in Healthcare Funding
Kejriwal has called for increasing the health budget to 10% of the Union Budget while removing taxes on health insurance. This move aims to ensure that medical services are more affordable for the average citizen. - Tax Reforms
The AAP manifesto seeks to provide relief to taxpayers by raising the income tax exemption limit from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Additionally, the removal of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on essential commodities is proposed to address the impact of inflation on daily living costs. - Senior Citizen Benefits
Recognizing the vulnerabilities of senior citizens, the manifesto suggests implementing robust retirement plans, pension schemes, and free medical services for the elderly. Furthermore, it promises a 50% concession on rail travel for senior citizens. - Support for the Middle Class
Kejriwal highlighted the achievements of the Delhi government under AAP, emphasizing measures such as reducing power tariffs, lowering water bills, and improving infrastructure in government hospitals. He stressed the importance of directing tax revenues toward policies that directly benefit middle-class families.
“These demands aim to ease the financial burden on the middle class and address long-standing issues in education, health, and senior citizen welfare,” Kejriwal said.
AAP vs. BJP: Allegations of “Hooliganism”
Alongside the manifesto launch, AAP leaders addressed the growing tensions between AAP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the lead-up to the elections. Kejriwal and senior AAP leader Atishi accused BJP workers of resorting to violence and intimidation against AAP volunteers.
Atishi, during a press conference, alleged that BJP leaders and their associates had created an atmosphere of fear in Kalkaji, a key assembly constituency. She claimed that people identifying themselves as relatives of BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri had threatened AAP workers, snatched campaign materials, and burned pamphlets.
“Ever since Ramesh Bidhuri started campaigning in Kalkaji, there has been a consistent attempt by BJP workers to intimidate our volunteers. They grab their collars, threaten them, and destroy our campaign materials,” Atishi said, demanding immediate action from the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Kejriwal backed these claims, accusing the BJP of resorting to violence out of desperation. “Violence is a sign of weakness. When a party or candidate sees that they cannot win peacefully, they resort to such tactics. The BJP is heading toward a historic defeat in Delhi,” Kejriwal stated.
The Political Landscape
The Delhi assembly election, scheduled for February 5, is shaping up to be a three-way contest between AAP, BJP, and Congress. While the Congress once ruled Delhi for 15 consecutive years, the party has failed to recover from setbacks in recent elections. In the 2020 assembly elections, AAP emerged victorious with a landslide win, securing 62 of the 70 seats, while the BJP managed to win only eight.
Despite their diminished presence in Delhi, the BJP continues to campaign aggressively, with party leaders targeting AAP’s governance record. However, AAP leaders remain confident, emphasizing their accomplishments in healthcare, education, and public welfare over the last five years.
Rising Tensions
The intensifying rivalry between AAP and BJP has been marked by heated exchanges and allegations. While BJP accuses AAP of governance failures, AAP counters by highlighting alleged misconduct and “hooliganism” by BJP workers. The war of words reached new heights with Kejriwal’s prediction of a resounding BJP defeat, claiming it would be a historic moment in Indian politics.
Meanwhile, AAP has also accused the Delhi Police, which reports to the central government, of facilitating BJP’s campaign. The party claims that BJP workers are being shielded from scrutiny, allowing them to act with impunity.
A Test for Congress
For Congress, this election is crucial as the party attempts to regain relevance in Delhi. While the party once dominated the city’s political landscape under Sheila Dikshit’s leadership, it has been unable to secure a single seat in the last two assembly elections. The upcoming polls will test whether Congress can rebuild its support base or remain a marginal player in Delhi politics.
The Road Ahead
As the election date approaches, AAP is focusing on its track record of governance and its manifesto, which promises middle-class-centric reforms. The BJP, on the other hand, is banking on its national popularity and Modi’s leadership to make inroads in the capital. Congress, while lagging in recent years, hopes to capitalize on the discontent between the other two parties.
With the counting of votes set for February 8, the Delhi assembly election promises to be a significant political battle. For AAP, a victory would reinforce its position as a governance-oriented party, while a strong performance by BJP or Congress could signal a shift in Delhi’s political dynamics.
Kejriwal’s manifesto, focused on education, healthcare, and financial relief, will play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion. Whether the middle-class-centric agenda resonates with voters remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the battle for Delhi will be fiercely contested.