Police intercepted Kejriwal’s march to the Prime Minister’s residence against E20 petrol.
Kejriwal led a high-profile march on Tuesday in New Delhi as Aam Aadmi Party leaders attempted to reach the official residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hand over more than two lakh public petitions against the mandatory rollout of E20 fuel.
Police personnel stopped the delegation along Firoz Shah Road after officers confirmed that the organisers had not obtained official permission for the demonstration. The protest marks an escalation in the ongoing political confrontation between the opposition party and the central government over energy policy and consumer fuel costs.
Kejriwal Demands Direct Dialogue With Prime Minister Over Fuel Concerns
Kejriwal informed police officers at the barricades that the delegation intended to conduct a peaceful meeting with the Prime Minister rather than create public disorder. AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bhardwaj stated that the party had collected over 2,33,000 signed petitions from citizens across the capital who expressed deep concern regarding ethanol-blended petrol.
The political confrontation reflects growing opposition strategy against the central government’s biofuel policy. Addressing media personnel during the sit-in demonstration on Firoz Shah Road, AAP leaders declared that the party would extend its campaign across other regions.
The leadership announced plans to oppose E20 fuel implementation in state assemblies where AAP holds legislative seats, including Goa and Gujarat. Party representatives argued that the current policy forces motorists to pay full price for blended fuel without receiving financial relief or discounts at petrol pumps.
The controversy centres on technical and financial arguments surrounding the Ethanol Blended Petrol programme. AAP leaders contend that the 20 per cent ethanol blend causes long-term engine wear and reduces overall fuel efficiency in standard vehicles. The party alleges that the policy benefits international trade commitments rather than local consumers.
In response, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and ruling party representatives defend the programme, stating that domestic ethanol blending reduces crude oil imports, lowers carbon emissions, supports agricultural income, and protects consumers from international price shocks.
आज हमने E20 के विरोध में जनता की 2 लाख से अधिक petitions लेकर मोदी जी से मिलने की कोशिश की, लेकिन मोदी जी की पुलिस ने हमें रोक दिया। हमने सभी petitions मोदी जी को भेज दी हैं।
मोदी जी, हमें अपनी ताकत दिखाने से क्या होगा? आप यही हिम्मत ट्रंप को दिखाइए और देश पर E20 थोपना बंद करिए।… pic.twitter.com/7rRUvLDgND
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 4, 2026
Opposition Demands Dual Fuel Options At Petrol Stations
The Aam Aadmi Party has outlined specific policy changes regarding retail fuel sales across the country. The party demands that all petrol stations offer motorists a clear choice between pure unblended petrol and E20 fuel.
Furthermore, opposition representatives argue that ethanol-blended fuel must carry a significantly lower retail price compared to pure petrol to reflect lower production costs. AAP leaders maintain that consumers deserve protection against potential mechanical damages while the central government transitions towards renewable energy targets.
Government representatives and Bharatiya Janata Party leaders rejected the opposition campaign, characterising the march as a political stunt lacking scientific substance. Ruling party spokespersons stated that ethanol blending undergoes rigorous technical validation to ensure vehicle safety while providing crucial financial backing to Indian farmers.
They emphasized that the initiative reduces foreign exchange expenditure on imported crude oil, strengthening national energy security. Official sources noted that security forces acted standard protocol by stopping unapproved marches in high-security zones.
Parallel legal developments unfolded on the same day as the Delhi High Court addressed a criminal contempt petition involving several senior AAP leaders. The Division Bench reviewed proceedings regarding alleged social media posts targeting judicial authorities. The court noted that while the controversial online content had been removed, the electronic records were preserved for examination.
The bench granted all respondents four weeks to file their replies and scheduled the next hearing for September 21, adding another layer of legal scrutiny for the party leadership.
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