Congress Protests Outside Gadkari Residence Over E20 Petrol Row

Political temperatures rose in Nagpur on Monday after Youth Congress workers staged a protest over the E20 petrol policy and attempted to march towards the residence of Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. Protesters raised slogans against the E20 fuel policy and demanded Gadkari's resignation, alleging that the government has failed to address public concerns regarding the ethanol-blended fuel.

The protest march began from Chitnavis Park Square in the Mahal area and moved towards Gadkari's private residence. Anticipating the demonstration, police deployed heavy security and installed barricades near the minister's residence. As protesters attempted to cross the barricades, police intervened and detained several participants.

The Congress has alleged that complaints regarding E20 petrol are being reported by vehicle owners and mechanics across the country. According to the party, the government's recent statements in Parliament have failed to provide satisfactory answers regarding the long-term impact of E20 fuel on vehicles.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh claimed that motorists have reported reduced fuel efficiency, engine performance issues, compatibility concerns in older vehicles, cold-start problems, injector blockage, corrosion in fuel lines, and damage to rubber components. He argued that these concerns require transparent technical clarification from the government.

The Union Government, however, has defended the E20 policy, stating that the fuel was introduced only after years of scientific research and testing. According to the government, there is no conclusive evidence suggesting that E20 petrol causes widespread damage to vehicles. It has also argued that ethanol blending helps reduce dependence on crude oil imports, supports sugarcane farmers, and contributes to lower emissions.

Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal reiterated the demand for Gadkari's resignation, saying the opposition would continue to raise the issue if public concerns remain unanswered. The government continues to defend the policy as a key step toward India's energy security and cleaner transportation.

With both the ruling government and the opposition firmly holding their positions, the political debate surrounding E20 petrol is expected to intensify in the coming days.