Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
The second day of the Punjab Assembly’s Monsoon Session witnessed a sharp political confrontation over ethanol and E-20 petrol, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government accusing the Centre of pushing a policy that could adversely affect millions of vehicle owners.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema moved a resolution highlighting what he described as the shortcomings of E-20 fuel. Without naming anyone directly, he made a pointed remark that was seen as targeting industrialists associated with ethanol production.
“First they made yarn, then they started producing sugar, and now they are making ethanol. They may make something else tomorrow as well. Don’t worry about my losses,” Cheema said during the debate.
Eco-tourism project delay raised
Earlier in the session, AAP MLA Karamvir Singh raised concerns over a proposed eco-tourism project, saying that a year had passed since its foundation stone was laid but work had still not begun. He alleged that officials had kept elected representatives in the dark and said the public was seeking answers from legislators, not bureaucrats.
Opposition questions government
Congress MLA Aruna Chaudhary criticised the government, saying she had received a "essay-like" reply from a minister instead of a clear answer on when the Makora Pattan bridge would be constructed.
AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra also intervened, recalling that he had previously "sacrificed" politically over a water-related issue and urged the government to pay serious attention to the matter.
Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa raised the issue of Dearness Allowance (DA) for employees and demanded that the government clarify whether it would release the pending instalment or approach the Supreme Court.
Cabinet minister attacks E-20 policy
Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh claimed that E-20 petrol would affect nearly 30 crore vehicles across India, including 22 crore motorcycles and 8 crore cars.
He alleged that the policy was linked to large-scale ethanol imports worth 20 billion dollars and accused the Centre of favouring corporate interests. Naming three companies allegedly linked to the families of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, he described the move as "a direct robbery of the country."
He further claimed that areas where ethanol factories are set up face severe pollution problems and that "breathing becomes difficult" for nearby residents.
Rana Gurjeet objects
Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh objected to the remarks, prompting a sharp response from Tarunpreet Singh.
“Rana ji, why are you feeling so much pain? Should people get pure petrol at petrol pumps or not?” the minister retorted.
Health minister defends ethanol use
Health Minister Balbir Singh offered a different perspective, noting that ethanol is also used in the pharmaceutical industry and questioning why it should be completely opposed. He also took a political swipe at the Congress, referring to the party’s shrinking strength in the Assembly.
Congress supports debate but seeks broader policy
Congress MLA Avtar Singh Junior said the resolution was important but complained that members had not been given adequate time to speak.
He stated that he supported the discussion on E-20 and questioned the government’s broader policy on electric vehicles (EVs).
“What have we done in Punjab to encourage people to buy EVs? In Norway, 97 per cent of vehicles sold are electric,” he said.
He also asked whether the Punjab government had written to the Centre on fuel blending since 2022 and pointed out that while the Centre had reduced VAT on petrol, Punjab had increased it twice.
The debate reflected growing political divisions over the Centre’s ethanol-blending policy, with the Punjab government and opposition parties using the issue to raise concerns about fuel prices, environmental impact, industrial interests, and the future of alternative energy in the state.
