The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will organise a 'National Town Hall Against E20' in Delhi on August 1, party convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Thursday. Kejriwal invited people to join the event in large numbers to discuss strategies to pressure the central government into withdrawing the E20 petrol blend.
"We are inviting people to join in large numbers on this platform, where we will discuss how to create pressure on the central government to withdraw the E20 petrol. Experts and people who have faced problems with their vehicles, all are invited," Kejriwal said.
E20, a blend of 20% ethanol with petrol, has been opposed by several political parties and auto industry stakeholders, who argue that it can damage vehicle engines and lead to higher emissions. The central government has been promoting ethanol blending as a way to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions.
AAP has been critical of the policy, stating that it was introduced without adequate consultation and that many vehicles are not compatible with the higher ethanol content. The town hall aims to bring together experts, vehicle owners, and the public to voice concerns and demand a rollback.
The event is expected to be held at a prominent location in Delhi, with details to be announced closer to the date. Kejriwal urged everyone to participate, emphasising that the issue affects millions of vehicle owners across the country.