AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday said the BJP government was practising “tax terrorism” by treating the middle class like automated teller machines. Ahead of the elections on February 5 in Delhi, this is another attempt by the party to be in close connection with the sentiments of the citizens of Delhi, as it prepares its budget for Parliament. He has stated seven points on the economic demand of AAP MPs in the parliament for addressing the middle-class concerns.
In a video message, Kejriwal criticized political parties for catering to specific vote banks—either underprivileged communities or wealthy industrialists—while the middle class remains neglected. “A large section is sandwiched between these vote banks and note banks,” he stated, emphasizing the struggles faced by the middle class in India.
He lamented that successive governments have failed to support the middle class, which is often burdened with hefty taxes yet receives little in return. “The relationship is strange; they don’t provide for the middle class but target them when they need funds. The middle class pays significant taxes but sees no benefits,” he remarked, describing them as victims of systemic exploitation.
Kejriwal pointed out that the middle class has modest aspirations, such as securing stable jobs, owning homes, and providing quality education for their children. “They only seek basic health and safety for their families. However, the government has not built enough schools or hospitals and is failing to create jobs,” he added.
Highlighting the financial strain, he noted that many middle-class families allocate over 50% of their income to taxes, leading them to reconsider major life decisions like starting a family. “For young couples, family planning has become a financial dilemma,” he said, expressing concern that high taxes are driving people to leave the country.
Contrasting this with the Delhi government’s performance, Kejriwal said AAP was for the aam aadmi. He spoke of the increased education budget, improvement in state-run schools, and keeping utility bills low. “Delhi residents enjoy the cheapest power rates among major cities,” he said, adding that mohalla clinics are a hit even in middle-class neighbourhoods.
Kejriwal urged the central government to recognize the middle class as the nation’s real superpower and to offer them relief in the upcoming budget. The AAP leader articulated seven specific demands, including increased education funding, a cap on private school fees, subsidies for higher education, an increased health budget, tax exemptions on health insurance, zero tax on incomes up to Rs 10 lakh, removal of GST on essential goods, and discounted train fares for senior citizens.
In response, BJP spokesperson RP Singh challenged Kejriwal’s claims, questioning the tangible benefits he has delivered to the middle class. “He promised free WiFi and clean water—where are those promises?” Singh asked, criticizing the AAP leader for failing to address the dropout rates in education. “His claims are just attempts to mislead the public,” he concluded, suggesting that such tactics will not succeed again.
