Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday expressed concerns about the plight of India’s middle class, accusing the central government of neglecting them. Ahead of the upcoming budget session of Parliament, Kejriwal listed seven demands, arguing that the middle class has become the victim of “tax terrorism.”
In a video message, Kejriwal stated, “Some parties have created their votebank in the name of religion and caste, while others cater to a notebank of industrialists for donations. Between this notebank and votebank, the middle class has been crushed. The Indian middle class has essentially become the government’s ATM. The truth is, they are victims of tax terrorism.”
Kejriwal pointed out that many individuals are leaving the country due to these issues, citing that approximately 2.16 lakh people emigrated from India in 2023. He added that the AAP government in Delhi had taken steps to support the middle class, such as increasing the education budget, reducing electricity and water bills, and planning the implementation of the Sanjeevani Yojana to provide free treatment for the elderly after elections.
Promising that AAP would act as the voice of the middle class, Kejriwal announced that his party would raise these concerns during the budget session, which is set to begin in two weeks. He also urged the central government to dedicate the next national budget to addressing the needs of the middle class.
Kejriwal outlined seven key demands for the upcoming budget:
- Increase Education Budget: The allocation for education should be raised from 2% to 10% of the GDP, and private school fees must be regulated. Additionally, subsidies and scholarships should be provided for higher education.
- Health Budget: The health budget should also be increased to 10%, and taxes on health insurance must be eliminated.
- Tax Relief: The income tax exemption limit should be raised from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
- GST on Essentials: Goods and Services Tax (GST) on essential commodities should be abolished.
- Railway Concessions: The central government should reinstate the 50% railway fare concession for senior citizens.
- Retirement and Pension Plans: Strong retirement and pension schemes should be introduced for senior citizens.
- Free Healthcare for Seniors: Senior citizens should be provided with free and quality treatment in all government and private hospitals across the country.
Kejriwal emphasized the urgency of these measures, saying, “The next budget should focus on the middle class. They deserve relief and recognition for their contribution to the economy.”
Highlighting the exodus of the middle class and the growing challenges they face, Kejriwal reiterated AAP’s commitment to championing their cause in the upcoming session of Parliament.
