NEW DELHI:BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Tuesday criticised Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, over his protest against E20 fuel, alleging that the former Delhi Chief Minister was making baseless and unfounded allegations without presenting any factual evidence.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Trivedi said, "The former Chief Minister of Delhi, carrying the burden of his failed political ambitions, was seen with a handful of supporters, displaying his usual style of theatrics and recklessness while making baseless and unfounded allegations."
The BJP leader further questioned Kejriwal's claims and accused him of attempting to create confusion among the public.
"He claims to be an IIT graduate, but he often speaks without presenting facts. Earlier, during discussions on vaccines, he had suggested that vaccine formulas should be circulated to everyone. Now, it is even more interesting that he comes from a mechanical engineering background. All these things indicate that he is trying to create confusion rather than provide clarity," Trivedi said.
He added that, given Kejriwal's engineering background, he could have offered a more technical explanation regarding the impact of E20 fuel instead of raising allegations.
"I expected that, being from a mechanical engineering background, he would explain the technical aspects and possible impacts. However, he has not conducted any research, nor has he presented any data from automobile companies. Instead, he is creating unnecessary controversy. I believe Kejriwal should stay away from such misinformation," he said.
Trivedi also defended the use of E20 fuel, stating that ethanol-blended fuel has already been adopted in several countries and has been in use in India as well.
"E15 fuel is being used in many countries across the world, and similar fuel blends have already been in use here. It is strange that they are claiming vehicles have been getting damaged for the last four years when the current implementation began less than four months ago," he said.
The remarks came after Delhi Police stopped Arvind Kejriwal and around 100 supporters on Tuesday while they were marching towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence to submit petitions opposing the use of E20 petrol.
According to NDTV, Kejriwal told the police after being stopped, "We are not terrorists. We want to meet Prime Minister Modi regarding the E20 fuel issue. Kindly inform him that we want to meet him."
The protest was organised to raise concerns over the impact of E20 fuel on vehicles and to seek intervention from the Prime Minister on the issue.
--IANS
