Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra on Sunday, 3 August launched a sharp attack on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, calling his announced march to the Prime Minister's residence on Tuesday an act of deliberate provocation — and one designed to outdo Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in what Malhotra described as a race to be the country's top 'anarchist.' Kejriwal has stated he intends to lead 100 people to the PM's residence over the ethanol-blended petrol issue, reportedly without obtaining the required permissions.

BJP's Core Charge: Politics of Disruption

Malhotra argued that Kejriwal's move is a direct response to Gandhi's earlier protest outside the PM's residence, with the AAP chief now seeking to reclaim the political spotlight. 'Creating disorder first and then playing the victim card has long been Kejriwal's political style,' Malhotra said. He predicted that when police prevent the march — as is expected given the lack of permission — Kejriwal will claim the government refused to engage with him on the ethanol issue.

'On Tuesday, when the police prevented him from entering the Prime Minister's residence without permission, Kejriwal will once again play the victim card and claim that the government refused even to hold talks with him,' Malhotra said.

The Ethanol Debate

At the centre of the dispute is the government's push for ethanol-blended petrol, which Kejriwal and the Congress have been publicly opposing. Malhotra countered that ethanol blending serves a triple purpose: reducing air pollution, increasing farmers' income, and saving foreign exchange. He also pointed to a statement made in Parliament on 11 August 2005 by then-Congress Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, who had reportedly declared ethanol blending to be in the national interest and committed the government to implementing it — a position Malhotra said directly contradicts the Congress's current stance.

BJP's Challenge to AAP and Congress

Malhotra issued a pointed challenge to both AAP and the Congress: produce 100 vehicles, each accompanied by a certificate from a qualified automobile engineer, confirming that the vehicle was damaged due to ethanol blending. He argued that without such evidence, the opposition's campaign against ethanol amounts to misleading citizens. Both parties have, according to Malhotra, already been 'exposed' on this issue.

What Happens Next

The march is scheduled for Tuesday, and Delhi Police are expected to enforce restrictions given the absence of formal permission. The confrontation is likely to sharpen the political battle over ethanol policy ahead of upcoming electoral cycles, with both AAP and the BJP seeking to frame the issue in terms favourable to their respective voter bases. All eyes will be on how the situation unfolds at the PM's residence and whether Kejriwal proceeds despite the legal and logistical hurdles.