E20 Policy Faces Fresh Opposition as AAP Plans Campaign, Transport Groups Announce Protest; Congress Targets Gadkari and Puri
Delhi: The controversy surrounding the government’s E20 ethanol-blended petrol policy has intensified once again, with political parties and transport organisations stepping up their criticism. The issue has returned to the spotlight after the recent NEET-UG paper leak controversy, with fresh demands for accountability from the Centre.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced a nationwide campaign against the E20 policy from next month, while transport unions in Delhi are preparing a protest march to Parliament on August 4, raising concerns over possible vehicle-related issues linked to ethanol-blended fuel.
The Uttar Pradesh Congress has also reportedly demanded the removal of Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, alleging that the government has ignored concerns raised by millions of vehicle owners.
AAP launches campaign against E20 policy
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal announced a ‘National Town Hall Against E20’ on August 1 at the Constitution Club of India in Delhi. He invited citizens, experts and vehicle owners who have faced problems allegedly linked to E20 petrol to participate and discuss ways to put pressure on the Centre to reconsider the policy.
Kejriwal also claimed that an online petition against E20 has received over 2 lakh signatures and said it would be submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the town hall meeting.
Transport unions plan Parliament march
Several Delhi-based transport organisations have announced a protest march against the E20 policy on August 4. Sanjay Samrat, president of the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association, said the protest aims to highlight concerns of vehicle owners across the country.
The organisation clarified that it has no connection with any political party or the recently trending “E20 Janta Party” social media movement.
Congress seeks removal of Gadkari and Puri
UP Congress chief Ajay Rai has reportedly written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the dismissal of Nitin Gadkari and Hardeep Singh Puri. He alleged that the government moved ahead with ethanol-blended fuel policies without addressing concerns raised by more than 350 million registered vehicle owners.
The Congress leader also questioned fuel quality issues and demanded greater accountability in the implementation of the policy.
Gadkari defends E20 policy
Amid growing criticism, Nitin Gadkari has maintained that he is not personally responsible for introducing the E20 policy. He has repeatedly supported ethanol blending as a step towards reducing fuel imports and promoting alternative energy sources.
The Bombay High Court has also allowed Gadkari to take legal action against social media platforms over alleged defamatory posts and deepfake content claiming he and his family benefited financially from the E20 programme.
Gadkari has challenged critics of the policy to identify a specific vehicle model that has faced problems due to E20 petrol, while the debate over the fuel continues to intensify.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
