Priyank Kharge Calls E20 Ethanol Policy 'Experiment on 3.6 Crore Indians', Demands Rollback
Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge has sharply criticised the Union government's E20 ethanol blending policy, calling it an 'experiment' on 3.6 crore Indians and demanding an immediate rollback. His remarks come in response to a statement by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari that the results of ethanol blending would be known by next year.
Speaking to reporters, Kharge questioned the safety of the policy, asking, 'Show me one vehicle anywhere in the world which had problems because of E20 petrol.' He argued that the government was treating Indian citizens as test subjects without adequate safeguards.
The E20 policy mandates blending 20% ethanol with petrol by 2025. The government has promoted it as a way to reduce oil imports and support farmers. However, critics, including Kharge, have raised concerns about potential damage to vehicles and lack of infrastructure.
Kharge's demand for a rollback has reignited the debate on ethanol blending. While the Centre maintains that the fuel is safe and that field trials have been conducted, opposition leaders argue that the policy was rushed without proper consultation.
This is not the first time Kharge has opposed the policy. Earlier, he had written to the Union Petroleum Minister seeking a delay, citing insufficient preparedness among automobile manufacturers and fuel retailers.
