AAP protest over E20 policy: Kejriwal, Sisodia sit-in after march stalled

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and leader Manish Sisodia were stopped by police on Wednesday as they attempted to march towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in protest against the central government's E20 petrol policy. The leaders subsequently staged a sit-in at the spot, where they were joined by party workers and supporters.

The protest was part of the party's ongoing campaign against the E20 policy, which mandates blending 20% ethanol with petrol. The AAP has argued that the policy could lead to a shortage of food grains, increased water usage, and higher fuel prices, adversely affecting common citizens. The party has been demanding a rollback of the policy, which it claims was introduced without adequate consultation with states and farmers.

According to Delhi Police officials, the marchers were intercepted at a barricade near the route to the Prime Minister's official residence in New Delhi. The police said the move was taken to maintain law and order, as no prior permission had been granted for the protest. Party leaders, however, contended that they had informed the authorities about their plan and that the police action was an infringement on their democratic right to protest.

The sit-in continued for several hours, with Kejriwal and Sisodia seated on the road, surrounded by party workers. No arrests were reported, and the protest remained peaceful throughout. A police spokesperson said arrangements were made to ensure traffic movement was not severely affected, and additional forces were deployed as a precautionary measure.

The E20 petrol policy, announced by the Union government as part of its effort to reduce vehicular emissions and cut crude oil imports, aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025-26. The policy has been supported by the sugar industry and some farmer groups, but has faced criticism from various quarters over its potential impact on the environment and agriculture.

In its protest, the AAP has highlighted concerns that diverting sugarcane and other crops for ethanol production may lead to lower availability of food commodities and push up prices. The party has also raised questions about the sustainability of using large quantities of water for ethanol production, especially in water-scarce regions.

Political observers note that the protest comes ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in several states, where the AAP is seeking to expand its presence. However, party leaders denied any electoral motive, stating that the issue was of national importance. The central government has not yet responded to the protest.

This is not the first time the AAP has clashed with the central government over policy matters. The party has previously staged demonstrations on issues such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the functioning of the Delhi government. The latest protest underscores the ongoing political friction between the AAP-led Delhi government and the central government.

The sit-in was called off in the evening, with party leaders announcing that they would continue to mobilise public opinion against the E20 policy. Kejriwal, in a brief address to supporters before leaving, reiterated the party's commitment to fighting for the rights of ordinary citizens. The police said normal traffic flow was restored after the protest ended.