The political battle over the Centre’s E20 ethanol-blended petrol policy is set to escalate on Saturday, with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal launching a nationwide campaign against the programme, while activist Tehseen Poonawalla prepares to begin a silent protest and indefinite hunger strike.
A day before the campaign’s launch, Kejriwal hinted that a prominent public figure would join the movement, raising curiosity over who would attend the event. In a post on X, he wrote, “Tomorrow (August 1), at the ‘National Town Hall Against E20’, a well-known personality from the country will be with me to listen to people’s problems and to take a ‘decision’ on E20. Do come to share your thoughts as well.” He also shared a WhatsApp number for people wishing to participate virtually.
Kejriwal had announced the campaign during a press conference on July 27, linking the movement against E20 petrol to the recent Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) agitation, which ended with the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Appealing to the Centre to reconsider the ethanol-blending policy, he said, “The youth of the country have forced an arrogant government to bow, and Dharmendra Pradhan had to resign before the people. I now urge the Prime Minister to resolve the E20-blended petrol issue as well. People are facing serious problems. Their vehicles are getting damaged, and fuel mileage is declining. Before this issue also grows bigger, I request the Prime Minister to take the initiative and resolve it.”
According to the AAP chief, the National Town Hall Against E20 will be held at the Constitution Club in New Delhi from 12 noon, with participants requested to reach the venue by 11.30 am. Kejriwal said the party expects a large turnout both offline and online. “We expect thousands of people to participate. Those living in Delhi and nearby cities who can attend in person should reach the Constitution Club by 11.30 am. Those living outside Delhi who cannot attend physically will be able to join online, and we expect thousands to participate virtually,” he said. The AAP has also announced that people can register for the virtual event through a dedicated WhatsApp number.
Meanwhile, activist Tehseen Poonawalla, who organised one of the earliest public demonstrations against the E20 policy on July 5, announced that he would march to Gandhi Smriti and begin a silent protest and hunger strike. Although Team Bharat had earlier proposed a march near Parliament Street, the group suspended that programme after Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri met its representatives and sought more time to consider their demands. However, Poonawalla said he would continue his protest individually.
The Centre has maintained that E20 petrol may reduce fuel efficiency slightly but does not damage vehicle engines, citing government-backed studies. However, several vehicle owners, transport associations and activists have alleged that the fuel has resulted in lower mileage, reduced engine performance and increased maintenance costs.
With Kejriwal’s nationwide campaign set to begin and protests continuing from multiple groups, the debate over the Centre’s ethanol-blending programme is emerging as one of the latest political flashpoints.
