MUMBAI: Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Sunday alleged that ethanol-blended fuel has damaged vehicles of people and demanded Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari’s resignation.Addressing reporters in Buldhana, Sapkal said that after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned over the NEET-UG paper leak, Gadkari should also step down over what he termed the “ethanol scam”.He alleged that vehicles of ordinary motorists, who were being sold ethanol-blended petrol and diesel, have suffered extensive damage, while companies manufacturing ethanol had earned huge profits.Sapkal claimed the Centre’s ethanol policy represented both “corruption” and “harassment” of citizens, and described it as a major scam.

The Congress leader also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise to vehicle owners whose vehicles were allegedly damaged due to ethanol-blended fuel.The E20 ethanol-blending policy has sparked a major controversy, centring on claims of reduced vehicle mileage, potential engine wear, and alleged conflicts of interest. The government has defended the programme, ruling out any immediate plan to increase blends beyond 20 per cent and asserting that the fuel is safe, clean, and helps farmers.