Kejriwal calls new tax regime terrorism, "victims are middle class"

Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal launched a strong appeal to middle-class voters, presenting the Centre with seven demands aimed at easing their financial burdens.

In a pointed critique, he referred to middle-class citizens as "victims of tax terrorism" and accused successive governments of treating them as the "nation’s ATM."

Arvind Kejriwal outlined seven key demands for the upcoming Union Budget, aimed at providing relief to the middle class.

These include increasing the allocation for education and healthcare to 10% of the total budget and imposing a nationwide cap on private school tuition fees. He also called for scholarships to support students pursuing higher education and advocated the removal of GST on essential commodities.

He also proposed a zero-tax policy for annual incomes up to ₹10 lahks and emphasised the need for senior citizen welfare through pension schemes and comprehensive retirement plans. Additionally, he urged the government to provide free healthcare and 50% discounts on train tickets for senior citizens.

Kejriwal argued that middle-class professionals - such as bankers, lawyers, and teachers - bear an outsized tax burden. “Middle-class families spend half of their income on taxes, from GST to service tax. Even essentials like milk and popcorn are taxed,” he said, adding that high taxes are forcing many young Indians to leave the country.

“Over two lakh people have emigrated, taking away the potential to contribute to our country’s growth,” Kejriwal stated.

Highlighting AAP’s initiatives, he said the party has prioritised education, healthcare, and basic utilities like free electricity. “Facilities such as Mohalla Clinics largely benefit the middle class, even though they’re designed for the economically weaker sections,” he added.

Calling the middle class "India’s real superpower," Kejriwal urged the central government to provide meaningful relief. He promised that AAP leaders would continue advocating for middle-class issues in Parliament until the Union Budget is presented.

Kejriwal appealed for comprehensive reforms, stating, “We use your tax money responsibly to create a better society, but now it’s time to prioritise your needs. The government must recognise the contributions of middle-class citizens and provide them the relief they deserve.”