Lucknow, Jul 27 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the dismissal of Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, alleging failure of the ethanol-blended fuel policy.
The party leader also demanded a probe into the ethanol policy, and an investigation into any possible conflict of interest associated with it.
According to a statement issued by the party on Monday, Rai said he had earlier urged the prime minister to ensure transparency, independent scientific testing and primacy of of public interest in the implementation the ethanol-blended fuel policy, but to little avail.
He alleged that neither the government responded nor was any decision on his concerns taken.
Instead, he claimed, the Centre appeared to be moving ahead with policies promoting E85 and E100 fuels after introducing E20, ignoring the concerns of more than 350 million registered vehicle owners in the country.
The state party president said the ethanol policy was projected as a measure to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, benefit farmers and provide relatively cheaper fuel to consumers, but it is now being sold at nearly the same price as conventional petrol.
Rai alleged that while petrol pumps were earlier held accountable for adulterating fuel with with water, kerosene or other substances, there is now no clear accountability when oil marketing companies proactively blending ethanol with petrol.
The practice, he claimed, has led to disputes over reduced mileage, engine damage, vehicle warranties and insurance claims.
Rai said the issue has gone beyond policy and now involves ministerial accountability.
He demanded that Gadkari and Puri be removed from their posts and an impartial investigation be ordered into the ethanol policy, including an independent probe into any possible conflict of interest associated with it. PTI KIS VN VN
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