New Delhi: Delhi’s ever-expanding middle class, instrumental in catapulting Arvind Kejriwal and his AAP party to power after Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement, forms the epicentre of a political tug-of-war that could give new shape to the city’s political future. On Feb 8, when the votes are counted, it will become clear whether the middle class has distanced itself from Kejriwal or reaffirmed its support once again.
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The strategic importance of this voter segment was evident in both BJP and AAP making big overtures — from the central govt giving income tax benefits in the 2025 Union budget to AAP’s distinct middle-class manifesto with a slew of measures for this section. While many middle-class residents appreciate AAP’s contributions to education (via govt schools) and healthcare (through mohalla clinics) as well as its efforts to aid the underprivileged with free services, they also feel betrayed by unfulfilled promises, especially in delivering clean and efficient governance.
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“The middle class initially backed the Anna Hazare movement and then Kejriwal for his anti-corruption stance. We sought good governance, clean surroundings, decent roads and development, but witnessed nothing substantial,” remarked Rakesh Kumar in Trilokpuri. “What unfolded were scandals and ministers facing jail time. Free utilities might appeal to those living hand to mouth, but not to us.”
Businessman Devendra Tyagi of Chhatarpur similarly lamented the decline in civic infrastructure. “Development in our area occurred about 15 years ago under a proactive MLA. Now, the roads are deteriorating. Nothing new has been added. And the tug of war between Delhi and central govts only hurts the city.”
Air quality is also a cause for distress for households. Orthopaedic Dr Rakesh, 56, of Dwarka was in a dilemma. “There were only four voters in the queue before me and I still hadn’t decided who to vote for,” he said. “Important issues like pollution, which affects my family directly, remain unaddressed by candidates. My son jokingly intends to vote for a candidate with a green chilli symbol.”
Mahesh and Renuka Wanjare, residents of Kiran Garden, said no one addressed middle-class concerns. “As an IT professional commuting to Noida, I face traffic problems. My wife, a homemaker, has her concerns about water supply,” explained Mahesh. “While the subsidies go to the poor, we struggle with high bills and living expenses, trapped in a cycle that politicians ignore.” Faizal, 42, an engineer, too talked of economic challenges. “Inflation has made survival tough,” he said.
Raj Kumari, 60, voted in the hope that the incoming govt will create jobs for the young people. Harshvardhan Siddhartha, a dual degree holder seeking govt employment, too said, “We need jobs to prevent skilled youth from suffering.” Vineet said in Seelampur that limited job opportunities weighed heavily on the community as did sanitation and roads.
A group in C block in Krishna Nagar comprising Kuldeep Rai, 52, his wife Renu, 47, cousin Pavan Gupta, 48, Gupta’s wife Dimple, 46, and their daughter Pratiksha, 24, had different electoral motivations. The women attributed their business downturn to BJP’s policies, while the men held AAP accountable for the same. Nevertheless, they were equally dismayed by all parties shifting their focus to sops and freebies rather than paying attention to fundamental issues during campaigning.
Sheerin Khaneja, an international NGO worker, considered intermittent water supply and broken roads while voting.