Kejriwal's Big Demand from Modi Govt: Raise Income Tax Exemption from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 Lakh

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) made a significant demand from the Modi government on Wednesday, calling for an increase in the income tax exemption limit from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Kejriwal highlighted that the middle class is under severe financial stress and is bearing the brunt of taxes. According to him, the middle class is being subjected to "tax terrorism" and has become nothing more than an "ATM" for the government.

Kejriwal emphasized that the middle class is made up of thousands of ordinary people who keep the country running. He pointed out that over 50% of their income goes towards paying taxes and this group is often neglected and oppressed by successive governments. He noted that while other political parties focus on votes based on religion, caste or wealthy businessmen, the middle class remains neglected. Kejriwal argued that no political party is willing to stand up for the interests of the middle class, despite the fact that this group forms the backbone of the nation.

In his announcement, Kejriwal made the following demands from the central government:

1. The education budget should be increased from 2% to 10%. Strict regulations should be imposed on private schools, and subsidies and scholarships should be provided for higher education.

2. The health budget should also be raised to 10%, and tax should be removed from health insurance.

3. The income tax exemption limit should be increased from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh.

4. GST on essential goods should be abolished.

5. A strong retirement plan should be created for senior citizens, and free healthcare should be provided to them across the country.

6. Senior citizens should receive the railway concessions they once did.

7. The AAP government has ensured 24-hour electricity supply across Delhi and provided free electricity. Kejriwal urged other governments to use tax money to offer similar relief to the middle class.

Kejriwal's statement sheds light on the financial burden faced by the middle class, calling on the government to take immediate action to provide them with the relief they deserve.