The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released its election manifesto on Wednesday, emphasizing policies aimed at the middle class, just weeks before the Delhi Assembly elections. The manifesto, unveiled by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, outlined a seven-point agenda directed at the Central Government ahead of the Union Budget.
“We demand that the upcoming Union Budget prioritize the middle class. Today, I present seven key demands to the central government,” Kejriwal stated during the announcement.
Key Demands from the Centre
- Increased Education Budget: Raise the education allocation from 2% to 10% and regulate private school fees.
- Subsidies for Higher Education: Provide subsidies and scholarships to promote accessible higher education.
- Enhanced Health Budget: Increase health sector funding to 10% of the budget and exempt health insurance from taxation.
- Higher Income Tax Exemption Limit: Increase the exemption threshold to ₹10 lakh from ₹7 lakh.
- GST Exemption on Essentials: Remove Goods and Services Tax (GST) on essential commodities.
- Retirement Security for Senior Citizens: Implement robust pension schemes and provide free medical services for senior citizens in both public and private hospitals.
- Rail Travel Concessions: Grant a 50% concession on rail fares for senior citizens.
Kejriwal emphasized AAP’s track record, stating, “We have used tax money effectively to improve education, protect the middle class from inflation, reduce power tariffs, lower water bills, and enhance government hospital infrastructure.”
Clash with BJP Intensifies
The manifesto’s release coincided with escalating tensions between AAP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). During a press conference, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and AAP leader Atishi accused BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri and his supporters of intimidating AAP workers in the Kalkaji assembly constituency.
Atishi alleged that individuals claiming to be Bidhuri’s associates engaged in acts of violence, including burning AAP campaign materials and threatening party workers. “Ever since Ramesh Bidhuri entered the fray in Kalkaji, an atmosphere of terror has been created. BJP workers are snatching and burning our campaign materials while threatening our workers,” she said.
Kejriwal echoed these concerns, stating, “This hooliganism is not isolated to one constituency. BJP is resorting to such actions because they know they cannot win peacefully. They are headed for a historic defeat in Delhi.”
Elections Approach Amid Rising Tensions
As Delhi prepares to vote on February 5, with results set to be announced on February 8, the political rivalry between AAP and BJP has grown increasingly contentious. Kejriwal concluded his address by expressing confidence in AAP’s electoral prospects, predicting a decisive victory that would set a new precedent in Delhi’s political history.
This election season, marked by bold manifestos and charged exchanges, is poised to significantly shape the future trajectory of governance in the capital.
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