The Centre is facing renewed criticism over its E20 ethanol-blended fuel policy, with political parties and transport unions stepping up their opposition.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced a nationwide awareness campaign, transport organisations in Delhi have called for a protest march, while the Congress has demanded the removal of Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Hardeep Singh Puri.
The renewed political focus comes as the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG paper leak begins to recede, shifting attention to the government’s fuel-blending programme.
AAP Announces Nationwide Campaign
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has announced a “National Town Hall Against E20” at Delhi’s Constitution Club on August 1.
According to Kejriwal, the event will bring together vehicle owners, technical experts and citizens to discuss concerns related to ethanol-blended petrol and formulate a strategy to pressure the Centre to reconsider the policy.
He also claimed that the party’s online petition opposing the E20 programme has received over two lakh signatures, adding that it would be submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the town hall.
Transport Unions Plan Parliament March
Several Delhi-based transport associations have also announced a protest march to Parliament on August 4, demanding a review of the E20 policy.
Transport leaders said they intend to highlight concerns raised by vehicle owners regarding ethanol-blended fuel and seek greater consultation before further expansion of the programme.
The associations clarified that their protest is independent of any political party and has no connection with the social media-based “E20 Janta Party.”
Congress Demands Removal of Gadkari and Puri
The Congress has also intensified its attack on the policy.
Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai has reportedly written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the removal of:
- Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari
- Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri
The Congress leader alleged that concerns raised by vehicle owners had not been adequately addressed and called for an independent scientific evaluation of the ethanol-blending programme before its further expansion.
Gadkari Distances Himself From Policy Allegations
Amid growing criticism, Nitin Gadkari has maintained that he is not personally responsible for the implementation of the E20 policy, noting that it falls under the Petroleum Ministry.
On Monday, the Bombay High Court permitted Gadkari to file a civil suit against Meta, Google, X and others over allegedly defamatory posts and AI-generated content linking him and his family to financial gains from the E20 programme.
The minister has consistently defended ethanol blending, stating that there is no proven evidence showing that E20 petrol has caused damage to vehicles. He has previously challenged critics to identify a verified case where a vehicle malfunctioned solely because of E20 fuel.
Debate Over E20 Continues
The E20 policy aims to increase ethanol blending in petrol to 20% as part of the government’s efforts to reduce crude oil imports, improve energy security and lower vehicular emissions.
However, sections of the opposition, transport bodies and some vehicle owners have raised concerns over the policy’s implementation, compatibility with older vehicles and its economic impact, while the government maintains that the programme is based on scientific evaluation and environmental objectives.
