Political commentator and activist Tehseen Poonawalla on Sunday claimed that he was detained by Delhi Police while taking part in a protest against E20 petrol at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Poonawalla shared a video on X showing him crossing police barricades during the demonstration. In another post, he said he was being detained while on his way to being arrested and indicated that he was prepared to seek bail if taken into custody.
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The protest is part of Poonawalla’s continuing opposition to the government’s E20 fuel policy, under which petrol blended with 20% ethanol has been rolled out across the country. His campaign has focused on demands for greater consumer choice and the continued availability of lower-ethanol fuel options.
During Sunday’s confrontation, Poonawalla also made a pointed remark aimed at Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, a prominent supporter of ethanol blending. Referring to Gadkari as “Sugar Daddy”, he alleged that the government was using the police to deal with opposition to the policy.
Poonawalla said, “Jab jab Sugar Daddy darte hain, police ko aage karte hain,” meaning that whenever the “Sugar Daddy” is scared, the police are put forward. The remark was directed at Gadkari, according to India Today.
Poonawalla has previously organised protests against E20 at Jantar Mantar. The first major demonstration under his Team Bharat banner was held in July, with protesters seeking alternatives to E20 petrol and raising concerns about its compatibility with older vehicles.
The E20 debate has centred on concerns raised by some motorists over mileage, vehicle performance and compatibility, particularly for older vehicles. Critics of the rollout have called for consumers to have access to lower-ethanol fuel blends. At the same time, supporters of ethanol blending have pointed to potential benefits including reduced dependence on imported crude oil and increased income opportunities for farmers.
Poonawalla has demanded that the government withdraw mandatory E20 petrol and restore the availability of E10 fuel, particularly for older vehicles that may not be compatible with higher ethanol blends. He has also raised other issues during his campaign, including the removal of merchant discount rate charges on UPI transactions and action against officials over the Satya Niketan building collapse.
The confrontation on Sunday marks another clash between Poonawalla and Delhi Police over his protests against the E20 policy. Last month, Poonawalla had also claimed that police placed him under house arrest ahead of a planned protest linked to the fuel policy and sugar prices.
The latest incident adds to the continuing public debate around ethanol-blended petrol, with supporters highlighting energy-security and agricultural benefits while critics continue to seek greater transparency, consumer choice and alternatives for vehicles that may not be designed for E20 fuel.
