E20 Janta Party Explained: The debate regarding E20 ethanol blended petrol has once again intensified in India. Vehicle owners, some activists and a section of the opposition say that along with the government’s promotion of E20 petrol, consumers should also be given the option to buy 100% petrol (without ethanol blending). On this issue, a group inspired by Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) “E20 Janata Party” Is running a campaign in the name.

Along with this campaign, some opposition leaders have also raised the demand for the resignation of Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. However, Gadkari has already rejected these allegations and defended the ethanol blending policy.

Why are demands for resignation rising?

Opponents say that the use of E20 petrol has reportedly seen a 8% to 15% reduction in the mileage of some vehicles. They allege that in older vehicles, this can lead to problems like additional wear or rust on the engine, fuel pump and fuel tank, thereby increasing the maintenance expenses of vehicle owners.

Apart from this, some opposition groups have also raised the issue of conflict of interest. They claim that some business interests linked to Nitin Gadkari’s family may benefit from the ethanol blending policy. Based on these allegations, he has demanded more transparency and accountability. However, no judicial or official findings have been publicly revealed in support of these allegations.

What is the demand of consumers?

The main demand of the groups running the campaign is that along with E20 petrol, 100% petrol should also be made available at petrol pumps, so that vehicle owners can choose the fuel as per their need and compatibility of the vehicle. He says that in many places normal petrol is not easily available or its availability has become limited.

The issue has also taken political color

In the backdrop of the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after the NEET paper leak controversy, the opposition has now increased pressure on the government regarding the E20 policy. Some opposition parties and organizations running the campaign are demanding accountability on this policy from Nitin Gadkari and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

What does the government say?

Nitin Gadkari has completely rejected the allegations leveled against him. He says that this is a “paid campaign” And there are interest groups behind it that are opposing India’s clean energy and ethanol blending policy. The government argues that ethanol blending will reduce dependence on crude oil imports, benefit farmers and help reduce pollution.