Following CJP's success, E20 Janta Party launches campaign against ethanol gasoline

Following the precedent set by the Janta Cockroach Party (CJP), another ostensibly satirical political movement ‘E20 Janta Party’ emerged, this time targeting the Centre’s petrol-blended ethanol policy.

The founder or founders of the group remain unknown. It started posting on X on July 25 and quickly caught on, amassing over 49,500 followers in just two days. He also crossed 100,000 followers on Instagram.

Same model, different ideas

The movement is targeting Nitin Gadkari’s Union Road Transport and Highways policy of E20 ethanol-laced petrol.

In a post on X, the group described itself as “an independent civic movement focused on raising issues that affect ordinary people.” He added: “Our sole agenda is to ensure transparency, protect consumer rights and encourage open public debate on the real impact of India’s E20 (20% ethanol petrol) policy.”

The group also called for Gadkari’s resignation over the policy.

What are her requirements?

In subsequent posts, the E20 side of Janta called for E0 (pure gasoline) to be available at gas stations, allowing consumers to choose between E0, E20 and E85 without any price difference.

The demand follows Gadkari’s recent response to criticism of the E20 policy. He said consumers who prefer pure petrol can buy it at ₹167 per liter compared to ₹102.12 per liter for standard E20 petrol.

The group also pushed for transparent fuel labelling, the publication of government data on the costs, benefits and impact of different fuel blends and independent studies on mileage, engine performance, emissions and maintenance costs, The Economic Times reported.

Transport unions join the protest

The Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association extended its support to the movement and announced a march to Parliament on 4 August.

Taxi drivers, tourist vehicle owners and other commercial vehicle operators are expected to take part in the protest against E20 petrol as well as the mandatory installation of GPS tracking devices and panic buttons in commercial vehicles. Association president Sanjay Samrat is expected to lead the march.

The movement claims that E20 fuel reduces fuel economy, increases maintenance costs and negatively affects the performance of older vehicles.

But the central government said there was no evidence of widespread problems with the ethanol-laced fuel.

Follows CJP’s protest campaign

The E20 Janta Party follows the formation of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), whose campaign over the NEET paper leak controversy culminated in protracted student protests demanding greater accountability. The protests eventually led to the resignation of the then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.