Record, post E20 woes: Arvind Kejriwal's appeal to turn up heat on government
Stepping up the attack on the government over its ethanol fuel policy, Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday called on party workers and
Stepping up the attack on the government over its ethanol fuel policy, Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday called on party workers and citizens to launch a widespread social media campaign highlighting grievances with E20-blended petrol. In a video message, Kejriwal appealed to AAP members and consumers to visit fuel stations, interact with the public, and document their experiences. Read Full Story "Everyone should step out of their homes and go to petrol pumps and service stations. There, talk to people, make videos, and share them on social media.
All those people in the country who are unhappy with E20 should make their own videos and post them on social media. The government is not going to listen like this. We have to fill the entire social media with the voices of common people to put pressure on them," Kejriwal said. The appeal follows his visit to a Delhi petrol pump and service station last Saturday, where he claimed vehicle owners complained of reduced mileage and deteriorating engine performance after using E20 petrol.
Kejriwal has also sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss these concerns. In a letter to the PM, the AAP chief requested that fuel stations provide consumers with the option to choose between pure petrol and the E20 blend. He also demanded a price reduction for the blended fuel to offset the alleged loss of mileage. "If someone wants pure petrol, they should get that option and those wanting E20 should also have that choice," he said. Additionally, the party has launched an online petition for citizens to log their mileage and performance concerns.
The government has consistently defended its ethanol-blended petrol program, stating the initiative has bolstered the sugar economy, increased farmers' incomes, and saved India over Rs 1.90 lakh crore in foreign exchange since 2014-15. However, Kejriwal dismissed the government's claims as "white lies," asserting that the ground reality differs significantly and that public concerns affecting daily life must be heard and addressed. Ends
The BriefWire