Arvind Kejriwal E20 Protest LIVE: AAP leaders sit on protest after march blocked by Delhi Police

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, led a peaceful protest march towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence today, December 12, to voice their grievances against the government's E20 petrol policy. Kejriwal announced that he would be delivering letters sent by over two lakh people to the Prime Minister, as reported by ANI.

During an earlier town hall program on Monday, Kejriwal proposed three demands to the Central government regarding the E20 policy. These demands include allowing a choice between E20 and pure petrol at petrol pumps, making E20 more affordable than pure petrol, and ensuring that the price of petrol remains below 84 rupees per liter. Kejriwal contended that the presence of petrol-blended ethanol in vehicles is causing damage to them and reducing their mileage.

The Delhi Police informed PTI that the protestors would not be permitted to advance past 5, Firoz Shah Road. They claimed to have deployed sufficient security forces, including Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel, to uphold law and order in the area.

The protesters faced an impasse at Firoz Shah Road, as they were blocked from continuing their march towards the prime minister's residence. AAP State President Saurabh Bhardwaj expressed to ANI that they had previously discussed the matter with the police officers and conveyed their intention to submit the petition to the Prime Minister. Bhardwaj stated their demand for a dialogue and emphasized the need to listen to the voices of the people.

Another AAP leader, Anurag Dhanda, lamented the situation, stating that 30 crore vehicles were at risk of being damaged due to the E20 policy. He accused the government of giving in to US President Donald Trump's pressure and importing ethanol. Dhanda questioned the Prime Minister's refusal to meet with the public, despite his earlier promise to do so. AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, joined the protest at Firoz Shah Road after being halted from reaching the prime minister's residence.