Kejriwal to Lead August 3 March to PM's Residence Against E20 Ethanol Policy

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced that he will lead a protest march to the Prime Minister's residence on August 3 against the central government's E20 ethanol blending policy. The announcement was made during a press conference in the national capital, where Kejriwal accused the Centre of neglecting public concerns over food security and fuel prices.

The E20 policy, approved by the Union Cabinet in 2021, mandates a 20% blending of ethanol in petrol by 2025-26. While the government has touted it as a step towards energy independence and reduced emissions, critics, including Kejriwal, argue that the policy could divert food grains and water resources towards ethanol production, potentially affecting food security and farmer incomes.

Kejriwal stated that the march would begin from Jantar Mantar and proceed to the PM's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg. He urged supporters and citizens to join the protest, saying that the policy would increase the burden on common people and exacerbate water scarcity in states like Punjab and Haryana, which are key grain-producing regions.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor also said that the protest is not political but a fight for the rights of farmers and the common citizen. He called upon other opposition parties to support the cause, stressing that the issue transcends party lines.

In response, the central government has maintained that the E20 policy is environmentally beneficial and will reduce crude oil imports. Officials have pointed out that the blending programme has been implemented after extensive consultations with stakeholders, and that adequate measures have been taken to ensure Ethanol supply without compromising food security.

The announcement comes amid a series of confrontations between the Delhi government and the Centre over various policy matters, including the control of administrative services. However, Kejriwal insisted that the August 3 protest is solely focused on the ethanol policy and its implications for the public.

Political analysts suggest that the protest could escalate into a major flashpoint between the AAP and the BJP-led NDA government, especially with state elections in several key states due over the next year. Observers note that the ethanol policy has been a contentious issue in northern states, where sugarcane farmers have benefited from ethanol production, while grain-growing regions have raised concerns about water usage.

Security arrangements are expected to be heightened in the national capital ahead of the proposed march. Delhi Police has been put on alert, and permissions for the protest route will be subject to standard protocols. The AAP has said it will comply with legal requirements but will go ahead with the demonstration if permission is granted.

The protest is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 3. Kejriwal has called upon all sections of society, including farmers, environmentalists, and student groups, to participate in what he described as a peaceful and democratic expression of dissent.

As the date approaches, the Delhi Chief Minister is expected to hold further interactions with civil society groups and opposition leaders to build a broad coalition against the policy. The outcome of the march may also influence the ongoing debate over fuel pricing and agricultural sustainability in the country.