Lucknow: Soon after the former union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post, the opposition have now trained their guns at two other
union ministers and have sought the removal of both the ministers. The UP Congress has written a letter seeking removal of Union minister of Road Transport and Highways and Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister. Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee President Ajay Rai has written to PM Modi demanding the immediate removal of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri over the alleged failure and corruption in the ethanol-blended fuel policy. In his letter, Rai has said that the Congress had earlier written to the PM on July 7, raising scientific, economic, environmental and consumer concerns related to ethanol blending. He alleged that the government has neither responded to those concerns nor ordered any independent scientific review of the policy. Rai further claimed that the Centre is aggressively pushing towards higher ethanol blending targets such as E85 and E100 while ignoring the interests of over 35 crore registered vehicle owners in the country. He alleged that the promises of reduced fuel prices, lower dependence on imported crude oil and benefits to farmers have not materialised, claiming that ethanol-blended petrol is being sold at nearly the same price as regular petrol. He also questioned accountability in cases where vehicle owners allegedly face engine damage, mileage issues or warranty disputes due to ethanol-blended fuel. He also said that while oil companies are promoting the policy, consumers are left without clarity on responsibility if technical problems arise. Rai also mentioned the NEET examination controversy and said that the ministerial accountability should also apply in the ethanol policy issue. He alleged that just as the Education Minister was held responsible during the NEET row, the Road Transport and Petroleum Ministers must also be held accountable. The UPCC chief has demanded the immediate dismissal of Nitin Gadkari and Hardeep Singh Puri from the Union Cabinet and called for an independent inquiry into the ethanol blending policy and any potential conflict of interest associated with its implementation. He urged the PM to take immediate action in the interest of transparency and public accountability.
