Saturday is likely to be a big day for the protest against E20 petrol with AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal launching his national campaign, and activist Tehseen Poonawalla escalating his agitation with a silent march and a hunger strike.
On the eve of the launch of his national campaign against the Centre's E20 (20% ethanol-blended petrol) programme, Kejriwal on Friday teased people, saying that a prominent person would be joining the agitation.
This came even as Poonawalla, who led the first on-ground protest on the ethanol-blending issue on July 5, announcing that he would march to the Gandhi Smriti and begin a hunger strike.
"Tomorrow (August 1), at the 'National Town Hall Against E20', a well-known personality from the country will be with me to listen to people's problems and to take a 'decision' on E20. Do come to share your thoughts as well," Kejriwal posted on X on Friday. He released a WhatsApp number for people willing to join in virtually.
Announcing the campaign during a press conference at the AAP headquarters on July 27, Kejriwal linked his campaign against the E20 policy to the recent Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) agitation that culminated in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
"The youth of the country have forced an arrogant government to bow, and Dharmendra Pradhan had to resign before the people. I now urge the Prime Minister to resolve the E20-blended petrol issue as well. People are facing serious problems. Their vehicles are getting damaged, and fuel mileage is declining. Before this issue also grows bigger, I request the Prime Minister to take the initiative and resolve it," he said on July 27.
Kejriwal said the event on Saturday at New Delhi's Constitution Club would begin at 12 noon, with participants requested to arrive by 11.30 am.
"We expect thousands of people to participate. Those living in Delhi and nearby cities who can attend in person should reach the Constitution Club by 11.30 am. Those living outside Delhi who cannot attend physically will be able to join online, and we expect thousands to participate virtually," he added.
The AAP said those wishing to participate virtually can send a WhatsApp message to 8588833212, following which a participation link will be shared with them.
The Union government's Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme has emerged as a fresh flashpoint after the CJP protest ended with the fulfilment of its three key demands, including Pradhan's resignation.
The Centre's rollout of 20% ethanol blending in petrol, which experts said was "rushed", has drawn opposition from several organisations. Besides the AAP, activist Tehseen Poonawalla-led Team Bharat and the Delhi Taxi and Transport Owners and Tour Operators Association have also announced protests against the policy.
Team Bharat, however, called off its proposed march near Parliament Street after Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri met its representatives and sought more time to consider their demands. Despite suspending the march, Poonawalla on Friday announced that he would walk alone to Gandhi Smriti, where he plans to observe a silent protest along with a hunger strike against the policy.
The Centre has consistently maintained that E20 fuel, might result in a drop of milage, but disn't damage vehicles. However, vehicle owners and activists have alleged that petrol containing 20% ethanol has reduced fuel efficiency, affected engine performance and increased maintenance costs.
With Kejriwal launching a nationwide campaign against E20, the Centre's ethanol-blending programme is fast emerging as the next major political flashpoint.
