Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has announced that he will lead a march to the Prime Minister’s residence on Tuesday to submit public petitions opposing E-20 petrol.
Addressing a press conference at the AAP headquarters on Monday, Kejriwal said he would leave the party office at 12 noon with 100 supporters and march towards the Prime Minister’s residence. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would meet the delegation and listen to their concerns.
Kejriwal claimed that 2,33,238 people have signed an online petition addressed to the Prime Minister within just a few days, opposing the implementation of E-20 fuel. He also stated that he had sought an appointment with the Prime Minister a month ago, but had not yet received a response.
Questions Centre over ethanol policy
The AAP chief alleged that people across the country were worried about the ethanol-blending policy and accused the Modi government of forcing ethanol on consumers without answering questions raised by the public.
According to Kejriwal, vehicle owners were reporting reduced mileage and mechanical problems, yet the government was continuing with the policy without providing adequate justification.
Raises allegations involving US pressure
Kejriwal further questioned whether the government was acting under pressure from former US President Donald Trump and alleged that India could be compelled to import 20 billion dollars worth of ethanol over the next five years. He claimed that such a move would place an unnecessary burden on the country and adversely affect vehicle owners.
Refers to AAP’s E-20 town hall
The former Delhi Chief Minister also referred to an AAP town hall held on Saturday against E-20, describing it as highly successful. He claimed that around seven lakh people watched the program live online, which he said reflected the scale of public concern over the ethanol-blending policy.
Alleges intimidation of critics
Kejriwal alleged that influencers, content creators and affected citizens who speak against E-20 are being trolled and threatened with FIRs, creating an atmosphere of fear among those opposing the policy.
He reiterated that Tuesday’s march was intended to personally hand over the petition to the Prime Minister and discuss how the ethanol policy was affecting ordinary people, urging the Centre to reconsider its approach after hearing public concerns.
