Sat Feb 01 20:17:01 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Voters React to Budget’s Income Tax Relief Ahead of Assembly Elections
**New Delhi, February 2, 2025** – The Union Budget’s increase in the income tax exemption limit to ₹12 lakh is resonating strongly with Delhi’s middle class, a crucial voting bloc ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. This development is shaping the political discourse, with ruling AAP and opposition BJP and Congress parties all vying for the support of this demographic.
The impact of the tax relief is palpable in neighborhoods like Vinobapuri, where residents express relief over increased disposable income. Rajkumar, a 59-year-old government employee, anticipates saving ₹20,000-₹30,000 annually, funds he plans to allocate towards household expenses. This sentiment is echoed by others in the area, with a local clothing store owner noting the heightened political activity targeting this key demographic.
According to a 2022 PRICE report, 67.16% of Delhi’s population falls within the middle class (₹5 lakh to ₹30 lakh annual income). While the BJP hails the tax relief as a boost to the middle class and young professionals, the AAP, despite welcoming the tax break, criticizes the budget for lacking relief on GST and home loans. AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal criticized the lack of measures to alleviate the burden on home and vehicle loans, as well as the absence of farmer debt waivers.
The contrasting viewpoints highlight the political battleground created by the budget. For voters like Rajkumar, however, the financial relief, coupled with existing government initiatives like free electricity and healthcare, heavily influences their voting choices. Others believe the tax break will stimulate consumption and investment. The absence of new Delhi-specific schemes in the budget, as per the Election Commission’s directive, further intensifies the focus on existing policies and their impact on the electorate.
First Piper 