Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will hold a ‘National Town Hall’ on August 1 over the E20 fuel issue. The party said the event will bring together experts from across the country to discuss the matter.
Speaking on Wednesday, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said people are facing serious problems because of E20 fuel. He claimed that vehicles are getting damaged and fuel efficiency has dropped. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and resolve the issue before it turns into a major public movement.
Why is E20 petrol facing opposition in India?
E20 is a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. It has been facing opposition, particularly from owners of petrol vehicles manufactured before 2023. They claim the fuel reduces mileage, increases maintenance costs, and causes engine components to wear out faster.
How to participate in the Town Hall
AAP said thousands of people are expected to attend the event, which will begin at 12 noon.
People from Delhi and nearby cities who wish to attend in person must reach the Constitution Club by 11:30 am. Those outside Delhi can participate online.
Interested participants can send a WhatsApp message to the number shared by the party. Kejriwal said a joining link will be sent by Friday evening, allowing them to participate in Saturday’s discussion.
He added that experts and people affected by the E20 policy will share their experiences, everyone will get an opportunity to speak, and the party will prepare a future strategy to pressure the government to withdraw the E20 policy.
Over two lakh signatures collected
Kejriwal said this is only the beginning of the campaign. He had earlier launched an online petition addressed to the Prime Minister, which has received more than two lakh signatures.
After Saturday’s Town Hall, he said the party will visit the Prime Minister’s residence to submit the petition.
Kejriwal alleges Centre is turning 30 crore vehicles into ‘scrap’ with E20 fuel
At a press conference, Arvind Kejriwal said that the government has made an unsuccessful attempt to stop the town hall by showing fear of police.
AAP national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on July 29 accused the Modi government of forcing E20 petrol on the public and strong-arming automobile companies. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, he claimed that nearly 30 crore vehicles manufactured before 2023 are currently on Indian roads and alleged that the Centre’s E20 fuel policy would effectively turn them into “scrap.”
