New Delhi: Armed with over 2.3 lakh public petitions demanding withdrawal of the E20 policy, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday attempted to march to the PM’s residence along with about 100 others, including several party functionaries. The march was stopped by Delhi Police, following which Kejriwal and other AAP functionaries staged a dharna on Ferozeshah Road before police took custody of the petitions.Amid heavy police presence, the marchers shouted slogans on mobile loudspeakers against E20-blended fuel. Later, addressing a press conference, Kejriwal said, “BJP-led central govt itself admitted in Parliament that due to E20 the fuel efficiency does decrease. It also admitted that engine components are affected, specifically the rubber components. So, if engine parts are getting damaged and mileage is also reducing, then why is this being imposed forcibly?”He also alleged PM Modi was being “forced to buy ethanol from the US” under pressure from President Donald Trump.Kejriwal said AAP had sought an appointment with the PM a month ago to discuss the issue, but did not receive a response. “Today, we were told he will not meet us. This reflects a dictatorial attitude,” he said, adding AAP had collected 2,33,238 signatures against the policy within a short period.One of the protesters who had signed the petition said the mileage drop of his car has taken a toll on his monthly household budget. “Several people are suffering financial loss because of damage to vehicles, besides more expensive fuel,” he added.The petitions addressed to the PM urges the Centre to offer consumers a choice between pure petrol and E20 at fuel stations and reduce E20 prices to account for its lower calorific value and alleged reduction in fuel efficiency.The AAP chief warned of intensifying the agitation if the Centre does not reconsider its decision. “If E20 is not withdrawn, the country will once again be compelled to launch a major movement,” he said.Kejriwal said the Punjab assembly had passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of E20, and now AAP legislators in Gujarat, Goa and J&K will move similar resolutions in their respective assemblies.
