New Delhi: Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Tuesday criticised Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener and former Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, over his proposed march to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence against the E20 petrol issue. She accused Kejriwal of spreading misinformation and claimed that the government had done nothing wrong.
The remarks came after Kejriwal announced that he would lead a march to the Prime Minister’s residence to protest against the Centre’s promotion of E20 petrol. However, Delhi Police stated that the proposed August 4 procession would not be permitted, setting the stage for a fresh political confrontation between the AAP and the Centre.
Speaking to IANS, Shaina NC said, “Arvind Kejriwal is merely spreading rumours. The government has not done anything wrong. There is nothing objectionable in pursuing policies with good intentions. Why, then, is he creating such false narratives and misinformation? Perhaps this reflects the extent of his political desperation.”
BJP MP Tarun Chugh said, “It is unfortunate. Making baseless and irrelevant statements without having any knowledge about the issue is inappropriate behaviour.”
Reacting to the march, Congress MP Imran Masood said, “He has already announced it. But who is going to allow him to proceed? No one is going to let him go.”
Samajwadi Party MP, Awadhesh Prasad took a more neutral stance, saying, “This is a programme of their own party. Political parties organise their activities according to their strategies, and this is a part of their political agenda.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi supported the AAP leader saying, “People have been suffering due to E-20 for a long time, and they are raising their voices against it. The government has again ignored this issue. We have seen protests at Jantar Mantar earlier as well. Today, Arvind Kejriwal ji is leading it.”
On Monday, Kejriwal reiterated his decision to march to Prime Minister Modi’s residence along with 100 supporters to personally submit petitions opposing ethanol-blended petrol. He alleged that the Centre was aggressively promoting E20 fuel after “yielding” to pressure from US President Donald Trump to purchase ethanol from the US.
Delhi Police, however, clarified that no permission had been granted for the proposed march. Officials said security arrangements had been put in place to prevent any unauthorised procession from reaching sensitive areas.
The planned protest comes amid AAP’s campaign against E20 petrol. Kejriwal claimed that an online petition launched by the party against the fuel policy has already gathered more than two lakh signatures.
The former Delhi Chief Minister has repeatedly questioned the government’s push for E20 fuel, arguing that it could create difficulties for owners of older vehicles that were not designed to run on higher ethanol-blended petrol. He has demanded that consumers continue to have access to fuel that is compatible with their vehicles and has announced protests over the issue.
(IANS)
