Arvind Kejriwal Highlights Middle-Class Struggles, Raises Seven Demands Ahead of Budget Session
On Wednesday, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal voiced concerns over the plight of India’s middle class. In a video message, Kejriwal criticized existing political dynamics, claiming that the middle class has been sidelined between the “notebank” of industrialists and the “votebank” of caste- and religion-based politics, while bearing the brunt of excessive taxation.
Middle Class as the “ATM of the Government”
Kejriwal stated that political parties have prioritized appeasing select groups to secure votes and financial support, leaving the middle class feeling abandoned. “The middle class has been crushed between these two groups and has effectively become the ATM of the government,” he remarked.
He emphasized that the Indian middle class faces “tax terrorism,” with mounting financial burdens and limited relief from successive governments. Highlighting the consequences of this pressure, Kejriwal pointed out that many citizens are choosing to leave the country. He cited data suggesting that approximately 2.16 lakh Indians emigrated in 2023 alone, underscoring the need for urgent policy changes to address their grievances.
Seven Demands for the Central Government
Ahead of the upcoming budget session in Parliament, Kejriwal listed seven key demands to alleviate the struggles of the middle class. Although he did not elaborate on the full list in his statement, he urged the central government to focus on policies that reduce financial strain and improve the quality of life for middle-class families.
He also highlighted AAP’s efforts in Delhi as examples of pro-middle-class governance. “We have increased the education budget, reduced electricity and water bills, and after the elections, we will implement the Sanjeevani Yojana to provide free treatment for the middle class,” Kejriwal promised.
A Call for Change
Kejriwal’s remarks have sparked conversations about the challenges faced by the middle class, a group often described as the backbone of India’s economy. By drawing attention to the neglect and financial pressures they endure, Kejriwal has positioned himself as an advocate for their concerns.
As the budget session approaches, the AAP leader’s demands are likely to add pressure on the central government to address middle-class grievances, potentially influencing the national policy discourse in the coming months.
