‘All are invited’: Kejriwal announces ‘National Town Hall against E20’ on August 1 | India News
NEW DELHI: AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced that the party will organise a ‘National Town Hall against E20’ in the national capital on August 1 to mobilise public support against ethanol-blended petrol.Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal said the meeting, to be held at the Constitution Club of India, will bring together experts, vehicle owners and members of the public to discuss concerns over E20 fuel.“We are inviting people to join in large numbers this platform where we will discuss how to create pressure on the central government to withdraw the E20 petrol. Experts and people who have faced problems with their vehicles, all are invited,” he said.Kejriwal said the AAP’s online petition demanding that E20 fuel be made optional has received more than two lakh signatures.“Next week, I will go to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s house with the online petition. But that would be after this meeting,” the former Delhi chief minister said, urging the PM to address concerns before the issue grows into a nationwide agitation.“The youth of this country have made an arrogant government bow down, resulting in Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Now, I request the Prime Minister to also resolve the E20 issue before it turns into a massive protest,” Kejriwal said.Announcing the town hall, he said people from Delhi-NCR could attend in person, while those from other parts of the country could participate online.“We are starting a National Town Hall this Saturday afternoon to unite people on this issue. Residents of Delhi-NCR can attend in person, while those from outside can join online. We have provided a registration number (8588833212) for participants. Through this Town Hall, we will hold discussions with experts, victims, and the general public,” he said.People wishing to participate virtually can send a message to 8588833212 to receive the online meeting link, he added.Kejriwal also criticised the alleged police action against protesting students in Bihar and other states saying, “This is not right. It makes the government appear dishonest and wavering in its stance.”Commenting on the Centre’s proposed anti-paper leak law, he questioned the government’s “intent” rather than the legislation itself.“Talk of such strict steps has been made before. If there is no intent to act against the mafia, no matter what law you make, it won’t matter. Even the person arrested by the CBI was eventually released,” he claimed.Responding to demands for the resignation of Punjab’s education minister over allegations of paper leaks, Kejriwal defended the AAP government’s record.“We have been in power in Delhi for ten years, and not a single paper has leaked. Similarly, in Punjab, there hasn’t been a single leak in the last five years. In one instance, two students tried to cheat using smart pens at two centres; they were caught immediately,” he said.Highlighting Punjab’s education performance, he added, “Before 2022, Punjab was ranked 27th in education; today, it is number one. This progress is what is bothering our opponents.”Earlier this month, Kejriwal wrote to Prime Minister Modi seeking an appointment to discuss concerns over E20 fuel and urged the Centre to reduce the price of ethanol-blended petrol.In a post on X, he said, “When the youth of the country united and raised their voice, Dharmendra Pradhan had to resign. We will also have to unite and raise our voice against E20.”Inviting people to the event, he added, “This Saturday, we are organizing the ‘National Townhall Against E20’, where you can share your views on E20 by participating. You can also join this online. All of you are invited. Date: 1 August, 2026. Time: 11:30 AM. Venue: Constitution Club, Delhi.”
