New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has announced a National Town Hall against the Centre's E20 fuel policy, with the event scheduled to take place on August 1 at the Constitution Club in New Delhi.
Making the announcement on Monday, Kejriwal said the programme aims to bring together citizens, experts and stakeholders to discuss concerns surrounding the introduction of E20 fuel, a petrol blend containing 20% ethanol. He appealed to people from across the country to participate in what he described as a public dialogue on the issue.
According to the AAP leader, the town hall will provide a platform for people to express their views and understand the potential impact of the policy. Kejriwal said the discussion would focus on questions that vehicle owners and consumers have raised regarding ethanol-blended fuel and its implementation.
The E20 programme is part of the Union government's broader strategy to increase ethanol blending in petrol with the objectives of reducing dependence on imported crude oil, supporting the agricultural sector and lowering vehicle emissions. The policy has been promoted as an important step toward improving India's energy security and environmental sustainability.
However, Kejriwal argued that the policy requires wider public consultation and a more detailed discussion on its practical implications. He said the August 1 event would seek to create awareness and encourage an informed debate before large-scale implementation.
The announcement comes amid increasing political debate over ethanol-blended fuel. While the Centre maintains that the initiative offers long-term economic and environmental benefits, opposition leaders have called for greater transparency regarding its impact on vehicles, consumers and fuel costs.
AAP leaders said the town hall is intended to be an open public forum and that participation is not limited to party members. Kejriwal extended an invitation to citizens, professionals and experts interested in discussing the policy and its implications.
