Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Sudhanshu Trivedi on Tuesday, 4 August sharply criticised Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal over his protest against E20 fuel, accusing the former Delhi Chief Minister of making baseless allegations without any factual or technical backing. The remarks came after Delhi Police stopped Kejriwal and approximately 100 supporters while they were marching towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence to submit petitions opposing the use of E20 petrol.

What Trivedi Said Outside Parliament

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Trivedi did not hold back. 'The former Chief Minister of Delhi, carrying the burden of his failed political ambitions, was seen with a handful of supporters, displaying his usual style of theatrics and recklessness while making baseless and unfounded allegations,' he said.

Trivedi further questioned Kejriwal's credibility on the issue, pointing to his academic background. 'He claims to be an IIT graduate, but he often speaks without presenting facts. Earlier, during discussions on vaccines, he had suggested that vaccine formulas should be circulated to everyone. Now, it is even more interesting that he comes from a mechanical engineering background. All these things indicate that he is trying to create confusion rather than provide clarity,' Trivedi said.

Engineering Background, No Technical Case: BJP's Charge

The BJP leader argued that Kejriwal's training as a mechanical engineer made his silence on technical specifics all the more conspicuous. 'I expected that, being from a mechanical engineering background, he would explain the technical aspects and possible impacts. However, he has not conducted any research, nor has he presented any data from automobile companies. Instead, he is creating unnecessary controversy. I believe Kejriwal should stay away from such misinformation,' Trivedi said.

Trivedi also defended E20 fuel — a blend containing 20% ethanol — noting that ethanol-blended fuels have been adopted across multiple countries and have been in use in India as well. 'E15 fuel is being used in many countries across the world, and similar fuel blends have already been in use here. It is strange that they are claiming vehicles have been getting damaged for the last four years when the current implementation began less than four months ago,' he added.

Kejriwal's March and Delhi Police Intervention

The backdrop to Trivedi's remarks was a protest organised by Kejriwal and AAP to raise concerns about the impact of E20 petrol on vehicles and to seek Prime Minister Modi's intervention. Delhi Police stopped the march before it could reach the PM's residence.

After being stopped, Kejriwal reportedly told the police, 'We are not terrorists. We want to meet Prime Minister Modi regarding the E20 fuel issue. Kindly inform him that we want to meet him,' according to reports.

The E20 Fuel Debate

E20 fuel — petrol blended with 20% ethanol — is part of the Centre's broader push to reduce fossil fuel dependence and boost domestic ethanol production, primarily from sugarcane and grain surpluses. Critics, including AAP, argue the higher ethanol blend can damage older vehicle engines not designed for such concentrations. The government and industry bodies have maintained that vehicles certified post-2023 are compatible with E20, and that the rollout is being phased to allow adaptation. Notably, this is not the first time the E20 programme has drawn political fire, but Tuesday's march marks one of the more visible opposition-led protests against it.

With the monsoon session of Parliament under way, the E20 controversy is likely to remain a flashpoint between the ruling BJP and AAP ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.