Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur

Jaipur, Aug 22: Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has criticised the Narendra Modi government over the large-scale blending of ethanol with petrol, alleging that the policy was implemented without adequate preparation and that its consequences were being borne by ordinary citizens.

Gehlot said the decision to blend large quantities of ethanol with petrol was another example of what he termed the Modi government's "shortsightedness and wrong decisions".

"Another example of the Modi government's shortsightedness and wrong decisions is the decision to blend large quantities of ethanol with petrol without adequate preparation. The people of the country are having to suffer the consequences of this decision on several fronts," Gehlot said.

He claimed that a significant portion of sugarcane was being diverted from sugar production towards ethanol production, affecting sugar availability in the market.

According to Gehlot, sugar prices had increased by Rs 14 to Rs 17 per kg in just 15 days.

The former Chief Minister said the issue was not limited to inflation, alleging that ethanol blending had also resulted in complaints of vehicle engine damage and reduced mileage.

He said these problems were adding to the financial burden on consumers, who were being forced to spend more on fuel as well as vehicle maintenance.

"This is nothing short of looting the hard-earned money of the common man," Gehlot said.

He alleged that while a section of industrialists and the government were benefiting from the system, ordinary citizens were being left to bear the burden of rising costs.

Gehlot also raised concerns over complaints of air and water pollution linked to ethanol production. He said the central government should have undertaken adequate planning, assessment and preparation before implementing what he described as a major policy decision.

"The central government has taken such a decision without making adequate preparations, and the people of the country are now paying the price," Gehlot said.

He further alleged that the Modi government had lost the trust of the people and was therefore unable to convince citizens about the merits of its decisions.

Gehlot called for a comprehensive review of the ethanol blending policy, taking into account its impact on consumers, sugar availability, vehicle owners and the environment.