Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has launched a scathing attack on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government regarding its ethanol blending policy in petrol. Gehlot alleged that the government implemented the decision to mix large quantities of ethanol into petrol without adequate preparation or a comprehensive assessment of its long-term impacts. According to the senior Congress leader, the general public is now bearing the brunt of this ill-conceived decision. Taking to the social media platform X on Saturday, Gehlot expressed his concerns over the economic and technical repercussions of the current policy framework.
Impact on Sugar Prices and Availability
Gehlot pointed out that in the rush to promote ethanol, a significant portion of sugarcane is being diverted for ethanol production instead of sugar manufacturing. This shift has severely affected the availability of sugar in the market, leading to a sudden and sharp spike in prices. He highlighted that within a mere 15 days, the price of sugar has surged by 14 to 17 rupees per kilogram. This rapid inflation in a basic commodity has put an additional financial burden on households across the country, making daily life more expensive for the common man.
Neglect of Food Security
While acknowledging that promoting alternative energy sources isn't inherently wrong, Gehlot emphasized that it shouldn't come at the cost of food security or the interests of the common consumer. He stated that the rising cost of an everyday essential like sugar directly impacts the budget of every family. The former Chief Minister argued that the government should have formulated a strategy to ensure sufficient sugar availability and price control alongside its ethanol objectives. He criticized the lack of balance between energy goals and the basic needs of the population, suggesting that food security has been ignored in this process.
Technical Concerns and Vehicle Mileage
The critique also extended to the technical performance of vehicles using ethanol-blended petrol, while gehlot noted that the use of such fuel is negatively affecting vehicle engines, with frequent complaints regarding reduced mileage. A decrease in mileage means that vehicle owners must spend more on fuel to cover the same distance, further straining their finances. He reminded the government that a large number of older vehicles are still in operation across India. He asserted that before mandating ethanol blending, the government should have ensured that all vehicle engines were fully compatible with the mixture. This policy, he claimed, is causing a double blow: increasing food prices on one hand and decreasing vehicle efficiency on the other, thereby disrupting the budget of ordinary families.
Allegations of Favoritism
Questioning the government's intentions, Gehlot alleged that the ethanol policy is designed to benefit a few select industrialists at the expense of the common man. He stated that the Modi government has lost the public's trust, which is why it's failing to convince people about the benefits of its policies. Instead of making grand claims, Gehlot demanded that the government provide a clear explanation of how its policies are affecting the common man, farmers, consumers, vehicle owners, and the environment. He concluded by calling for concrete steps to address the issues arising from the current ethanol implementation and urged the government to prioritize the welfare of the citizens over industrial interests.