The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) unveiled its manifesto on Wednesday, emphasising middle-class concerns in the run-up to the Delhi assembly elections. Party chief Arvind Kejriwal presented the manifesto, highlighting a seven-point demand addressed to the Centre ahead of the Union Budget.

“… We demand that the next Budget of the country be dedicated to the middle class. Today, I am making 7 demands to the central government… first, the education budget should be increased to 10% from 2%. Private school fees should be capped. Second, subsidies and scholarships are given for higher education. Third, the health budget should be increased to 10%. Tax should be removed from health insurance. Fourth, income tax exemption limit should be increased to Rs 10 lakh from 7 lakh. Fifth, GST should be removed from essential commodities. Sixth, a strong retirement plan and pension schemes for senior citizens. Free medical services for senior citizens in all government and private hospitals across the country and seventh, senior citizens should get a 50% concession in rail travel,” the AAP national convenor said.

“We use tax money for education, protecting the middle class from inflation. We reduced power tariff, water bills, we improved infrastructure in government hospitals,” Arvind Kejriwal said.

During a morning news conference, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi joined Kejriwal to accuse Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ramesh Bidhuri and his associates of engaging in “hooliganism” against AAP workers.