Jaipur: Former Rajasthan Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot, has criticised the Narendra Modi government over the large-scale blending of ethanol with petrol, alleging that the decision was taken without adequate preparation and that its consequences were being borne by the common people on multiple fronts.
Gehlot said, “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.”
He said a significant portion of sugarcane is being diverted from sugar production towards ethanol production, affecting the availability of sugar in the market. According to Gehlot, “In just 15 days, sugar prices have increased by Rs 14 to Rs 17 per kg.”
He said the issue goes beyond inflation, alleging that ethanol blending is also leading to complaints of damage to vehicle engines and reduced mileage. This, he said, is adding to the financial burden on ordinary consumers, who are being forced to spend more on fuel and vehicle maintenance. “This is nothing short of looting the hard-earned money of the common man,” Gehlot said.
He alleged that while a handful of industrialists and the government are benefiting from the system, ordinary citizens are being left to bear the burden of rising costs. Gehlot also raised concerns over complaints of air and water pollution associated with ethanol production. He said the central government should have undertaken adequate planning, assessment and preparation before implementing such a major policy.
“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 has lost the trust of the people and is therefore unable to convince citizens about the merits of its decisions. He called for a comprehensive review of the ethanol blending policy, keeping in mind its impact on consumers, sugar availability, vehicle owners and the environment.
(IANS)
