The Congress party unleashed a scathing attack on Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, accusing him of a conflict of interest in aggressively promoting India’s ethanol-blending policy while his sons’ companies, Cian Agro Industries and Manas Agro Industries, allegedly reap massive profits. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Congress leader Pawan Khera claimed Gadkari’s advocacy since 2014, including promises of ethanol production from wood-based products and municipal waste, was a “jumla” that failed to deliver cheaper fuel, instead burdening citizens with higher costs and vehicle damage.

Khera highlighted that Cian Agro, owned by Gadkari’s son Nikhil, saw its revenue skyrocket from Rs 18 crore in June 2024 to Rs 523 crore in June 2025, with its stock price surging 2,184% from Rs 37.45 to Rs 638 between January and August 2025. Sarang Gadkari, another son, serves as a director at ethanol-producing Manas Agro. Khera questioned whether the government’s early achievement of 20% ethanol blending (E20) in 2023, ahead of the 2025 target, primarily benefited BJP-affiliated businesses, asking, “Is the E20 policy a public good or a windfall for Gadkari’s sons?”

He further criticized the policy for failing to deliver promised petrol prices of Rs 55 per litre, noting that prices have risen from Rs 71.41 in 2014 to Rs 94.77 in 2025, while diesel jumped from Rs 55.49 to Rs 87.67. Khera alleged that the policy, which consumes 3,000 litres of water per litre of ethanol, has led to reduced mileage and engine damage, dismissing Gadkari’s claims of a “petroleum lobby” as a deflection. He also accused the government of weakening environmental regulations to fast-track the policy and questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “zero tolerance for corruption” stance would lead to a Lokpal investigation into Gadkari.

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BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra hit back, comparing Congress to the Aam Aadmi Party for making baseless allegations without evidence. “Congress holds press conferences but never approaches courts or authorities with facts,” Patra said, urging the opposition to focus on constructive issues like GST reforms. He dismissed claims of “vote chori” and “petrol chori” as media stunts, asserting that the ethanol policy benefits farmers and reduces oil imports.

The controversy follows the Supreme Court’s recent rejection of a PIL challenging the E20 rollout, which argued that the fuel damages non-compatible vehicles. As public frustration grows over rising fuel costs and maintenance issues, Congress’s allegations have intensified scrutiny on Gadkari’s role, raising questions about transparency and accountability in India’s clean energy push.

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