Aam Aadmi Party national convenor and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said he would deliver a petition with more than 200,000 signatures to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence on 4 August.
He said a march in Delhi would be held in connection with the planned petition delivery, opposing the expansion of ethanol-blended fuel.
Speaking at a national public hearing on 1 August, Kejriwal said he would be accompanied by 100 people prepared to participate despite the possibility of arrest or baton charges.
Kejriwal said public concern over the fuel was growing and alleged that the government was avoiding an open debate involving experts on its safety.
He called for the government and opposition to present evidence in such a public discussion.
Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra rejected the criticism and said Kejriwal should produce evidence of at least 100 cases in which ethanol-blended fuel damaged engines or caused major losses.
Critics have raised concerns about increased fuel consumption and potential long-term engine damage, while the central government has described the policy as environmentally friendly and helpful in reducing reliance on imported fuel.
Kejriwal also alleged that interests beyond environmental policy were involved, raising questions about the ethanol business and the two sons of Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.
He further alleged that a possible commercial arrangement between India and the United States was contributing to the policy’s rapid implementation.
No immediate response from the central government to those allegations was stated.
Kejriwal demanded that every petrol station stock both regular petrol and ethanol-blended fuel, allowing consumers to choose, and also called for lower prices for petrol and ethanol.