Kejriwal calls for large protests against Centre's E20 petrol policy

Kejriwal steps up attack on E20 policy

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday called for "huge-scale protests" against the Centre's E20 petrol policy, escalating a confrontation that pits his Aam Aadmi Party against the Union government. Speaking at a press conference, Kejriwal alleged that the policy, which mandates 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025, was rushed through without adequate consultation.

The former chief minister's remarks come amid growing unrest among transport operators, who argue that the fuel blend damages vehicles not designed for higher ethanol content. Kejriwal's sharpest barb, however, was aimed at the central leadership, accusing it of "yielding" to pressure from former US President Donald Trump on fuel norms.

Allegations of foreign influence

Kejriwal did not provide evidence for his claim that the E20 decision was influenced by external actors. Yet the charge adds a geopolitical layer to what has largely been a technical and economic dispute. The policy, announced by the Petroleum Ministry last year, aims to cut oil imports and curb emissions, but critics say it was implemented without testing Indian conditions.

The Delhi CM's comments drew an immediate response from BJP leaders, who dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. Union ministers have previously defended E20 as a necessary step toward energy self-sufficiency, pointing to successful trials in several states.

March to PM's residence: police dig in

Kejriwal also announced plans to lead a march to the Prime Minister's residence later this week, a move that police sources say will be blocked. According to ThePrint, Delhi Police have indicated that permission for the march will not be granted, citing security concerns and prohibitory orders in the capital.

Undeterred, Kejriwal said the protest would proceed regardless, insisting that "peaceful demonstrations are a democratic right." His party has called on supporters to gather at Jantar Mantar, a traditional protest venue, though authorities have yet to confirm whether that site will be available.

Transport bodies already on the streets

Before Kejriwal's announcement, Delhi transport associations had already taken to the streets. On Monday, several groups staged a demonstration at Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, against the E20 mandate. They argue that two-wheelers and older four-wheelers face engine damage and reduced mileage, hitting drivers' incomes hard.

The Deccan Chronicle reported that protestors carried banners reading "No E20 without testing" and demanded a rollback until proper infrastructure is in place. The Centre, however, has maintained that ethanol blending will reduce pollution and benefit farmers, a point Kejriwal dismissed as "a smokescreen for deeper failures."

Political stakes high

The E20 issue has become a flashpoint in Delhi's charged political climate, with assembly elections due early next year. Kejriwal's aggressive posture appears aimed at consolidating support among auto-rickshaw drivers, taxi operators, and small transport businesses, a key voter base in the capital.

Analysts note that the protest also serves to keep the AAP in the national spotlight as it battles corruption allegations and a resurgent BJP. For the Centre, the policy is a flagship reform, and any rollback would be politically costly.

As the standoff escalates, both sides are digging in. The coming days will test whether Kejriwal can sustain momentum on the streets or whether police restrictions and legal hurdles will blunt the protest. With the march date approaching, all eyes are on Delhi's law-and-order machinery and the government's next move.