What happened: Kejriwal protests against E20-blended petrol

Arvind Kejriwal warned that India may need another major movement if the Union government continues imposing E20-blended petrol (petrol blended with 20% ethanol). Kejriwal alleged that the push for E20 is driven by pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. Kejriwal urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to challenge Donald Trump directly rather than pushing E20 on Indian citizens.

Kejriwal led a march of about 100 people from Aam Aadmi Party headquarters toward the Prime Minister’s residence. Security forces stopped the group after protesters covered roughly 1 kilometre. Police barricades at multiple points prevented protesters from approaching the residence and blocked a request to send a small delegation. The protest ended after police arranged for the protesters’ memorandum to be carried to the Prime Minister’s residence.

Kejriwal said Aam Aadmi Party planned to submit 2.3 lakh petitions and seek discussion, but Kejriwal alleged the Union government did not respond and did not offer a meeting, which Kejriwal described as dictatorial. Kejriwal compared the situation to the government’s stance during the NEET protests.

Background and earlier position: AAP’s demands in the petition

Aam Aadmi Party’s petition demanded consumer choice. AAP argued that people should not be compelled to use fuel that AAP said can damage vehicles. The petition demanded consumer choice between pure petrol and E20.

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