Arvind Kejriwal Organizes National Town Hall Against E20 Petrol

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal announced a National Town Hall Against E20 scheduled for August 1, 2026, at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi. The event aims to unite experts and vehicle owners to discuss the technical risks of ethanol-blended petrol, specifically engine damage and declining fuel efficiency. Kejriwal intends to deliver an online petition with approximately 200,000 signatures to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence the following week, demanding that E20 fuel be made optional or withdrawn.

On July 29, Kejriwal escalated his criticism, alleging that the central government used "hooliganism" to force the implementation of the fuel. He claimed that 30 crore vehicles manufactured before 2023 would be damaged by the blend. According to Kejriwal, while automobile companies refused to provide written warnings, officials from nine companies privately admitted to technical risks but claimed they were threatened by the government with plant closures or Enforcement Directorate raids if they spoke out.

Kejriwal further argued that ethanol fuel depletes groundwater and offers no foreign exchange benefits. During his press conferences, he also criticized the administration's handling of student protests in Bihar and West Bengal and described the Lakshmi Yojana scheme as a hollow promise. He cited the resignation of the Union Education Minister as a victory for the country's youth against an arrogant government.