New Delhi: On a scathing attack on the Centre, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal said on Wednesday that the Narendra Modi-led government is resorting to “gundagardi (hooliganism)” to enforce the implementation of E-20 petrol.
The move would turn nearly 30 crore vehicles manufactured before 2023 into “scrap”, Kejriwal said in a press conference, alleging that automobile companies are being threatened into silence by the Centre.
“The Modi government has stooped to hooliganism (gundagardi) to impose E-20 petrol. A few days ago, I wrote to 29 automobile companies asking if E-20 fuel could be used in vehicles manufactured before 2023. I also asked if they would provide compensation if the vehicles broke down or if the mileage decreased. None replied officially, but I spoke to officials from nine companies,” Kejriwal said.
These companies are operating under fear, he alleged.
“They told me that the Modi government is threatening them. They admitted that using E-20 in pre-2023 vehicles will damage engines and reduce mileage, but said, ‘If we speak out, we are finished. They will shut our plants or conduct ED raids.’ Modi ji is hell-bent on turning 30 crore pre-2023 vehicles into scrap,” the AAP leader said.
He also questioned the benefits of Ethanol, stating: “There is no benefit in foreign exchange, and it depletes groundwater. Why is Modi ji so adamant? We planned a town hall on E-20, but the police reached the Constitution Club to cancel our permission. We have never needed permission for indoor activities before. Modi ji, you will have to take E-20 back, either gracefully or we will force you to.”
When asked about the protest threats by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Kejriwal said his party supports the right to protest.
“They should protest; we are in their support. In a press conference before the country, ministers had promised that FIRs would be withdrawn. Why was this lie told then?” he asked.
Taking a dig at the current administration regarding the state of infrastructure and waterlogging in Delhi, he said: “It has been two years since they have been running the government. The situation was never this bad during our tenure. They have failed to manage even basic issues.”