Punjab Assembly resolution on E20 ethanol 'politically motivated, misleading', says BJP

Chandigarh: Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Kewal Singh Dhillon on Tuesday condemned the resolution passed in the Legislative Assembly, urging the Centre to suspend the implementation of the mandatory E20 ethanol blending programme.

He termed the decision "politically motivated", "factually misleading", and "against the interests of state's farmers".

Dhillon said that instead of supporting a progressive national policy aimed at strengthening India's energy security and increasing farmers' income, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has chosen to play politics at the cost of Punjab's agricultural future.

"Ethanol blending is not merely an energy policy; it is a transformational initiative that benefits farmers, consumers, the environment and the nation's economy. The AAP government's attempt to portray it negatively reflects either a lack of understanding or a deliberate effort to mislead the people of Punjab," he said in a statement.

Dhillon pointed out that several developed and developing countries have successfully adopted ethanol-blended fuel as part of their long-term energy strategy.

"Nations such as Brazil and the US have relied on ethanol blending for decades, while many other countries are steadily increasing ethanol use to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, lower emissions and promote renewable energy."

The State BJP Chief said the ethanol blending programme created a stable and additional market for agricultural produce such as maize and sugarcane, providing farmers with new income opportunities beyond traditional procurement systems.

"As demand for ethanol feedstock grows, farmers benefit from better price realisation, crop diversification and reduced dependence on a limited number of crops," he said, adding, "For Punjab, where crop diversification has become the need of the hour, ethanol is not a threat but a significant opportunity. Instead of opposing this initiative, the state government should encourage farmers to take advantage of emerging market opportunities and promote investment in ethanol production."

He said that instead of doing so the AAP government is attempting to mislead farmers by distorting the facts.

"The reality is that most agricultural machinery, including tractors, harvesters, generators and other farm equipment, runs on diesel, whereas ethanol blending is carried out in petrol. Therefore, this policy has no adverse impact on Punjab's farmers," Dhillon added.