Paid social media campaign against me : Gadkari

Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday that a paid, politically motivated social media campaign against E20 fuel was aimed at him. Speaking at the SIAM Annual Convention, he noted that automakers, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers and the Supreme Court have already clarified the use of blended fuels.

Gadkari described E20 as an indigenous, cost‑effective import substitute that also cuts pollution. He pointed out that India imports fossil fuels worth Rs 22 lakh crore and said the prime minister wants to boost domestic production; the E20 initiative could contribute Rs 22 lakh crore to the economy.

He also highlighted gains for farmers, saying ethanol production from corn has generated about Rs 45,000 crore and helped push corn prices from roughly Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,800 per quintal. Gadkari added that Uttar Pradesh and Bihar produced three times more corn this year, and that the country has a surplus of rice and wheat.