Kejriwal podiže E20 uloge: Odvest će 100 ljudi bez straha od lathi na PM kuće

Arvind Kejriwal, head of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is set to intensify his campaign against the Indian government’s E20 petrol policy starting on Saturday, August 1. At the same time, activist Tehseen Poonawalla is preparing to stage a silent march to Gandhi Smriti followed by a hunger strike. These developments signal growing public discontent over the government’s ethanol-blended fuel mandate, which critics argue is harming vehicle performance and increasing maintenance costs. Kejriwal announced the launch of his national campaign at a press conference held on July 27, linking his efforts to the recent resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) agitation. During the event, he urged the Prime Minister to address the E20 issue, citing concerns from vehicle owners about declining fuel efficiency and rising repair expenses. The AAP leader emphasized that the policy was being implemented too quickly without adequate testing or consultation with affected groups. The campaign will feature a major event on Saturday at the Constitution Club in New Delhi, beginning at noon. Participants are encouraged to arrive by 11:30 am, with virtual attendees directed to contact a designated WhatsApp number for access to the event. Kejriwal also hinted that a notable figure would be present at the gathering, though he did not specify who the individual would be. Tehseen Poonawalla, who initiated the first on-ground protest against the ethanol-blending policy on July 5, announced plans to march to Gandhi Smriti and conduct a hunger strike. His decision comes despite reports suggesting that the government had engaged with representatives of Team Bharat, the organization he leads, to seek more time to review their demands. However, Poonawalla confirmed he would proceed with his protest independently. The E20 policy has become a focal point of contention, drawing criticism from multiple quarters. Vehicle owners and activists claim that the blend reduces fuel efficiency, affects engine performance, and increases maintenance costs. In contrast, the Union government maintains that there is no verified evidence of widespread engine damage and that the policy has undergone extensive scientific evaluation. Kejriwal has outlined three specific demands for the government: allowing motorists to choose between E20 and pure petrol at fuel stations, pricing pure petrol lower than E20, and setting a cap on petrol prices at less than ₹84 per litre. He also urged people to avoid purchasing petrol and diesel vehicles until E100 vehicles are available in the market. During his address at the National Town Hall Against E20, Kejriwal accused the government of inconsistency in its messaging about the effects of E20. He highlighted discrepancies in statements from different ministries regarding the impact of the fuel on vehicle performance. Additionally, he suggested that the policy might be influenced by the India-US trade agreement, which requires India to purchase $100 billion worth of American goods over five years. Security measures around the AAP event were stringent, with a significant presence of Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Delhi Police personnel outside the Constitution Club. AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj noted the deployment of hundreds, possibly even thousands, of law enforcement officials at the venue. Kejriwal has also announced plans for a separate demonstration on August 4, where he intends to lead a march to the Prime Minister’s residence with 100 individuals who are "not afraid of lathis." This group will carry printed copies of a digital petition signed by over 200,000 people opposing the E20 policy. The AAP leader invited interested volunteers to reach out directly to participate in the march. Meanwhile, some segments of the population, particularly farmers in Punjab, have expressed support for the E20 program, viewing it as beneficial for crop diversification and providing additional income. This highlights the broader debate surrounding the policy, with varying perspectives based on regional interests and economic impacts. As the situation unfolds, the government faces mounting pressure to address concerns raised by vehicle owners, activists, and political opponents. The coming days will reveal whether the administration chooses to engage with these criticisms or continue enforcing the E20 policy as currently structured.