Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal and several senior party members were stopped by Delhi Police on Tuesday while marching towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence to submit petitions opposing the Centre’s E20 petrol policy. The delegation was carrying more than 2.30 lakh petitions collected from citizens across the country, with the party demanding a review of the government’s ethanol-blended fuel initiative.

The AAP began the march with around 100 supporters carrying the petitions, which the party said reflected concerns raised by vehicle owners over the use of E20 petrol. The party has alleged that ethanol-blended fuel affects vehicle performance, reduces mileage and increases maintenance costs. The government, however, has rejected such claims and maintained that the E20 programme is aimed at reducing fuel imports and promoting cleaner energy.

After being stopped by police, Kejriwal, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, AAP leader Jasmine Shah and other party workers staged a sit-in protest on Firoz Shah Road. Kejriwal later posted on social media, alleging that police prevented the delegation from meeting the prime minister. He said the petitions had been sent to the Prime Minister’s Office despite the group being stopped during the march.

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Before starting the protest march, Kejriwal addressed supporters and said the petitions represented the concerns of vehicle owners from across India. He urged the Centre to consider public feedback and provide consumers with a choice between E20 petrol and pure petrol at fuel stations. The AAP leader has repeatedly criticised the policy, arguing that consumers should not be forced to use a particular fuel blend.

According to Delhi Police sources, protesters were stopped beyond 5, Firoz Shah Road as security arrangements were put in place to maintain law and order. Police personnel, including Delhi Police and paramilitary forces, were deployed in the area, and officials said the delegation would not be allowed to proceed further towards the prime minister’s residence.

The protest follows a series of AAP campaigns against E20 fuel, including an "Ethanol Town Hall" and a nationwide signature drive. During a recent event, Kejriwal placed three demands before the government — allowing petrol stations to offer both E20 and pure petrol, pricing E20 lower than conventional petrol, and reducing petrol prices below Rs 84 per litre. The Centre has maintained that ethanol blending is part of India’s strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and support renewable energy goals.

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