‘Who is responsible?’ DK Shivakumar escalates ethanol-blended-petrol attack

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has once again questioned the Centre about ethanol blending in petrol, claiming that vehicles across the country were suffering reduced mileage and engine damage.

Reacting to the BJP’s protest against price rise in Bengaluru, he said on Wednesday (November 11) that the party should also raise concerns over the alleged adverse impact of ethanol blending on vehicles.

“Let the BJP protest against price rise; it’s politics. But when petrol and diesel prices increased, ethanol was mixed in vehicles, with the blending going beyond 20% to 30%. Mileage has come down. Vehicles are getting damaged, Engines are suffering damage, and vehicles are stopping midway. Can’t they (BJP) see this? Don’t they know about it,” Shivakumar pointed out to reporters.

Petrol pump operators ‘not the target’

Clarifying that he was not targeting petrol pump operators, Shivakumar said the Centre should take responsibility for investigating the source and quality of the fuel being supplied.

Also read: E20 fuel: Karnataka govt says oil companies sold petrol with up to 31.2 pc ethanol

“At the very least, shouldn’t the central government have some responsibility to find out where it was procured, where it was mixed and where it came from,” he asked.

A row erupted after the Karnataka government last week said that E20 petrol samples collected from across seven districts had ethanol content up to 31% against the prescribed 20%.

“Our minister (Rizwan Arshad) collected samples from 67 places and brought the issue to the notice of the central government and the authorities concerned. We have conducted tests and are examining the matter thoroughly,” he said.

Country-wide problem

Claiming that the issue affected vehicle owners across the country, Shivakumar said it was not an isolated problem.

“This is not an issue concerning just one person. Your scooter may have been damaged, our car may have been damaged, and vehicles belonging to ordinary citizens may also have suffered damage. The lifespan of the vehicles has been reduced, resulting in losses for everyone. Who is responsible for such adulteration?” he asked.

Also read: Ethanol blending complaints: Karnataka tests petrol samples across 67 locations

He said some representatives of the central government were denying the allegations of higher ethanol blending. They should first respond to the findings from the samples collected by the state.

“Let them first answer the questions regarding these samples. After that, we can discuss the other issues,” he said.

A little ‘prank’

Responding to a question on certain remarks allegedly made by BJP leaders, Shivakumar said people were free to express themselves as they wished.

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, recently warned the Congress that BJP workers would “tear them to pieces and throw them into the Arabian Sea” if they created unrest in the country. “So our boys (NSUI workers) sent him knives to help cut into pieces,” Shivakumar deadpanned.

Also read: E20 petrol row: Rahul seeks answers from Centre over Karnataka test findings

BJP leaders on Saturday lodged a complaint with the Bengaluru Police Commissioner alleging that NSUI workers had attempted to send knives, daggers and other lethal objects to the residence of Narayanaswamy through a quick-commerce platform.

First 500 appointments signed

On appointments to state-run boards and corporations, the CM said the government was preparing the first list of appointments.

“The process of appointments to boards and corporations is underway, and the list is being prepared. Today, I have signed the first list of 500 board of directors’ appointments. After verification, we will release it,” he said.

Asked whether legislators would also be accommodated during appointments to boards and corporations, he said senior MLAs would certainly be considered.

“Senior legislators have to be accommodated, and we are doing that,” he said, adding that the list has now been prepared and signed and would comprise only appointees to the post of directors.

(With agency inputs)