New Delhi, Feb. 6 -- Prime minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the middle-class is confident and determined to anchor India's journey to become a developed nation.

He was speaking in the Rajya Sabha during the motion of thanks to the president's address. The statement comes days after the union budget for FY26 announced exemption of income tax for salaried people earning up to Rs.12 lakh per year.

"The middle class today is filled with confidence, which is unprecedented and greatly strengthens the nation," said Modi, adding that the Indian middle class is determined and fully prepared to realize the vision of a developed India.

Emphasising that the government is committed towards the neo-middle class and middle class, the prime min...