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The Union Minister underlined that his initiatives and experiments are powered by ideas and aimed at benefiting farmers, not by personal financial gain
Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari. (File/PTI)
Amid the ongoing ethanol debate, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday took a veiled dig at his critics, saying that his brain is worth “Rs 200 crore a month” and that he won’t “stoop low” for financial gains.
Gadkari’s remarks come against the backdrop of the ongoing ethanol debate, which weighs the advantages of reduced emissions against concerns over food and water security and vehicle compatibility.
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The Union Minister underlined that his initiatives and experiments are powered by ideas and aimed at benefiting farmers, not by personal financial gain.
“You think I am doing this for money? I know how to earn with honesty. I am not a wheel-dealer,” said Gadkari while addressing an event organised by Agricos Welfare Society in Nagpur.
Gadkari remarked that politicians often exploit divisions for their own benefit, warning that backwardness has become a political tool.
“I too have a family and a home. I am not a saint—I am a politician. But I have always believed that the nearly 10,000 farmer suicides in Vidarbha are a matter of deep shame. Our efforts will continue until farmers achieve prosperity,” he said.
The minister’s remarks come in the wake of the Supreme Court’s September 1 dismissal of a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking mandatory availability of ethanol-free petrol (E0) at all fuel stations.
The Centre had opposed the plea, calling it an attempt to undermine national policy.
India rolled out 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E20) nationwide in April 2023, meeting its blending target five years ahead of schedule.
The programme—pitched as a key step toward lowering carbon emissions and cutting crude oil imports—has nonetheless stirred debate.
Critics, including consumers and automobile experts, warn that ethanol-blended fuel could affect vehicle efficiency and durability.
The petition sought directions to ensure ethanol-free petrol was available alongside blended fuel, mandate clear labelling of ethanol content at pumps, and commission a nationwide study on the mechanical impact of blended fuel.
Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for petitioner Akshay Malhotra, argued that the plea was not against ethanol blending itself but aimed at preserving consumer choice.
He noted that only vehicles manufactured after April 2023 are compliant with E20 petrol, while older models risk mechanical damage and higher maintenance costs in the absence of E0 or E10 options.
Attorney General R. Venkataramani opposed the plea, describing the petitioner as a “name-lender” and suggesting the litigation represented vested interests attempting to derail India’s clean-fuel push.
Dismissing the case, the apex court observed that there was “sufficient clarity” on the ethanol policy and no evidence to suggest that E20 fuel harms engines, consumers, or farmers.
Nagpur, India, India
September 14, 2025, 07:22 IST
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