'What Have You Done For Middle Class Between 2014 & 2025?': BJP Answers FAQ
Government data suggests the emergence of a 'neo-middle class' due to a reduction in extreme poverty
As the Narendra Modi government celebrates eleven years in power, it has highlighted virtually every aspect of its achievements: from its assertive stance with Pakistan to its focus on governance issues such as mainstreaming backward communities. However, one persistent question arises from one of the BJP's core constituencies, the middle class: what benefits have they received in the last eleven years?
Government data suggests the emergence of a 'neo-middle class" due to a reduction in extreme poverty. Extreme poverty fell from 16.2% in 2011-12 to 2.3% by 2022-23. The BJP attributes this to targeted welfare programmes, economic reforms, and infrastructure investments.
The BJP also points to the rise in the 'tax-free income" threshold. In 2014, this was Rs 2 lakh, but by 2024, it had jumped to Rs 12.75 lakh. The party claims this as a significant win for the middle class, addressing long-standing complaints of being overlooked. It cites economic reforms and increased tax buoyancy as factors enabling this increase, leading to greater savings for the middle class.
In an era dominated by mobile data consumption, the BJP claims credit for drastically reducing data costs. In 2014, one GB of wireless data cost Rs 268.97, plummeting to Rs 8.31 per GB in 2024. The party maintains that infrastructure expansion and regulatory support made this possible, increasing data accessibility for middle-class families.
The BJP also highlights the affordability of LED bulbs under the Ujala scheme. In 2014, an LED bulb cost Rs 450-500, falling to Rs 70 in 2024. The party asserts that widespread LED adoption has resulted in annual electricity bill savings of approximately Rs 20,000 crore.
The BJP argues that the broader picture for the middle class encompasses more than just these examples. It cites the rapid rollout of 5G to 99.6% of districts in 22 months and the resolution of over 1 lakh cases by RERA, providing relief to those affected by property disputes. In 2014, metro services were available in only five Indian cities; by 2025, this number had risen to 23. The party emphasises the Rs 37,000 crore Swamih Fund, which revived stalled real estate projects, offering a lifeline to many middle-class families facing financial ruin.
In the digital realm, the BJP points to the widespread adoption of DigiLocker, with 52.14 crore users, and UPI transactions, with 46 crore individuals and 4.6 crore merchants, as further evidence of progress for the Indian middle class.
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