Why E20? Kejriwal to lead march to PM’s residence today

New Delhi: Escalating its campaign against the Centre's E20 petrol policy, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced a march to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on Tuesday, August 4, demanding a review of the ethanol-blended fuel programme. AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said he would lead a delegation of 100 people from the party headquarters at 12 noon to personally submit a petition signed by more than 2.33 lakh citizens, urging the Prime Minister to reconsider the policy.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, Kejriwal said the party's online petition against E20 petrol had received 2,33,238 signatures within just a few days, which he described as evidence of widespread public concern over the government's decision. He added that he had written to the Prime Minister nearly a month ago seeking an appointment to discuss the issue but had not received any response.

"We hope the Prime Minister will meet us and listen to the concerns of the people," Kejriwal said, adding that the delegation intends to personally hand over the petition and explain why the party believes the E20 fuel policy is harming consumers.

The former Delhi Chief Minister alleged that the Centre was pushing ethanol-blended fuel despite mounting complaints from vehicle owners. According to him, motorists are reporting lower fuel efficiency and mechanical issues, yet the government has neither addressed these concerns nor offered convincing explanations for continuing with the policy.

Kejriwal argued that the government's insistence on implementing E20 without engaging with critics has raised questions about its motives. "When a policy is imposed despite widespread concerns and without answering legitimate questions, it creates suspicion that there is a hidden agenda," he said.

He also levelled allegations regarding the international dimension of the policy, questioning whether the government was acting under pressure from US President Donald Trump. Kejriwal claimed that the United States wants India to import ethanol and alleged that the Centre could purchase ethanol worth nearly $20 billion over the next five years, which, according to him, would ultimately be forced upon Indian consumers.