Guwahati, 08 July (HS): The Assam BJP on Wednesday dismissed the opposition's criticism of E-20 (20% ethanol-blended petrol), alleging that the campaign against the fuel is politically motivated and aimed at influencing voters ahead of the elections.

BJP media panellist Achintya Pran Sharma said the opposition was attempting to mislead the public by spreading misinformation about E-20 without factual basis. He maintained that the campaign was part of an election strategy rather than a genuine public concern.

Sharma noted that ethanol-blended fuel is not a new concept in India, recalling that the initiative began during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He added that the BJP-led government had taken steps to ensure vehicles manufactured from 2025 onwards are compatible with E-20 fuel, making the Congress' opposition to the policy morally inconsistent.

The BJP also pointed out that countries such as the United States, Brazil, Canada, Australia and Thailand have successfully adopted ethanol-blended fuel, reducing petroleum imports, lowering emissions and improving farmers' incomes.

The party asserted that wider use of E-20 would help India reduce its dependence on crude oil imports, save foreign exchange and curb pollution. It accused the opposition of turning a national development initiative into a political issue for electoral gains.---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash