Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 1: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday demanded that the Centre allow consumers to choose between pure petrol and E20 fuel at petrol pumps, and announced a march to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on August 4 to submit petitions signed by citizens.
Addressing the National Townhall Against E20, Kejriwal said over two lakh people have signed an online petition seeking changes to the Centre's E20 fuel policy. He said he would personally submit the collected signatures to the Prime Minister along with a group of supporters.
"A few days ago, I appealed to people to sign a petition addressed to the Prime Minister. More than 2 lakh people have signed the petition online. I have taken printouts of all those signatures. On Tuesday, the 4th, at 12 noon, I will personally take those petitions and march towards the Prime Minister's residence to submit them," Kejriwal said.
He added that he would be accompanied by around 100 people during the march and appealed to those willing to participate to contact him.
Reacting to the proposed protest, Kejriwal said the AAP should be allowed to proceed as far as opposition parties have been permitted during similar demonstrations. "More than 2 lakh people have signed the petition," he said.
Speaking about the response to the townhall, Kejriwal claimed that the venue was packed and that thousands of people were watching the programme online.
"I can see that the entire hall is packed. As many people are sitting, an equal number of people are standing, and screens have also been placed outside. More than 4 lakh people are watching this programme online today," he said.
Kejriwal also alleged that the government was monitoring the event and criticised ministers who have defended E20 fuel as safe.
"Whenever their ministers come, they say E20 is safe. E20 has no problem. Those who raise their voice against E20 are anti-national. I want to tell them, today we kept so many testimonies and proofs before you," he said.
Highlighting the demands raised during the townhall, Kejriwal said consumers should have the option to select between E20 and pure petrol at fuel stations.
He said the other demands included making E20 fuel cheaper than pure petrol and reducing petrol prices below Rs 84 per litre in view of declining global crude oil prices.