Modi tells Delhi voters: Most middle class-friendly Budget

Hailing the Budget provisions for the middle class as “historic”, he said, “Earlier, the middle class would lose sleep over the Budget. But this Budget has come as a relief, ensuring zero income tax for individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh… The maximum benefit of no tax under Rs 12 lakh will go to the youth, especially those in their first or second jobs.”

He positioned the BJP’s tax policies as pro-people, stating that the past governments imposed heavy taxes to fill their coffers, while the BJP aims to provide financial relief. “This Budget is the most middle class-friendly Budget in the history of the country…Congress governments imposed tax only to fill their coffers,” he said.

He reiterated his commitment to the 8th Pay Commission and said senior citizens would benefit from pension-related reforms and increased social security measures.

“Our government not only looks after taxpayers but also cares for pensioners. The implementation of the 8th Pay Commission is a major step toward ensuring economic security for our retired citizens,” he said.

Modi also promised to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi if the BJP comes to power.

Delhi and West Bengal are two states that are yet to implement the scheme. The AAP has promised free treatment in private hospitals to all above the age of 60 to counter the inclusion of all above the age of 70 in the Ayushman Bharat insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh.

The BJP, in its manifesto ahead of the polls, also promised to provide a cover of an additional Rs 5 lakh over the existing Ayushman Bharat cover for all residents.

In R K Puram, BJP’s Anil Sharma is up against AAP’s Parmila Tokas. While Sharma won the seat in 2013, he was defeated by Tokas in 2015 and 2020. The Congress has fielded Vishesh Tokas from the constituency.

Addressing the gathering on Basant Panchami, Modi said February 5 – the day votes will be cast – will lead to an “era of development” in Delhi. “Teen din baad, 5 February ko, Dilli mei vikas ka naya Basant aane wala hai… iss baar Dilli mei Bhajpa sarkar banane ja rahi hai (After three days, Delhi will see the spring of development; This time, the BJP will form the government in Delhi),” he declared, amid chants of “Modi Sarkar” from party supporters.

Addressing the youth, the Prime Minister announced provisions for job creation and skill development. He said under the Digital India initiative, gig workers had significantly contributed to the economy. “In Delhi, many of our youth are working as gig workers. To support them, we are launching a registration portal that will provide them with insurance and other government benefits,” he said.

In his appeal to Delhi voters, Modi criticised the AAP. Once again referring to the Arvind Kejriwal-led party as ‘AAP-da’ (calamity), he said its governance had resulted in setbacks for the city.

“11 saal tak AAPda ne yahan ka kaam roka, mujhe Dilli ke logo se prarthna hai ki humko seva ka mauka zaroor de… Ab galti se bhi yahan pe AAPda sarkaar nahi aani chahiye jo Dilli ke paanch aur saal barbaad kar de (For 11 years, the AAP has stopped Delhi’s development, give us a chance to serve… even by mistake, the AAP government should not come to power, or it will destroy Delhi for another five years).”

He said the defection of eight AAP MLAs to the BJP was evidence of internal dissatisfaction within the party. Referring to the AAP poll symbol broom, “Sathiyon, hum dekh rahe hain ki kaise Dilli mei voting se pehle hi jhadu ke tinke bikhar rahe hai (Friends, we are witnessing how the broom is breaking even before votes are cast in Delhi).”

“AAP leaders are leaving because they see the growing anger against their government,” he said.

Eight sitting AAP MLAs, who were not handed tickets by the party this time, resigned from the party, citing charges of corruption and “lack of internal democracy”, and joined the BJP on Saturday.

Countering the AAP narrative that if BJP comes to power it will demolish slums and stop welfare schemes such as free power up to 200 units and free water up to 20 kilolitres, Modi reiterated that BJP governance would not lead to either of the two AAP claims.

Asserting BJP’s commitment to addressing Delhi’s economic and environmental challenges, he pointed out the financial losses businesses endure due to pollution. “My shopkeeper colleagues in Delhi suffer losses worth hundreds of crores because of pollution. BJP is the only party that can resolve this crisis,” he said.

In his speech, Modi also brought up Bihar which will vote later this year. “Since yesterday, I have been receiving messages from my Purvanchal and Bihari brothers, congratulating me on our Budget. Purvanchal has made me a sansad (MP) … and I want to thank Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for taking such good care of Purvanchal in the Budget,” he said.