Gadkari dismisses allegations, calls it work of ‘powerful import lobby’ hit by ethanol blending of petrol

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday refused to be pulled into a controversy over allegations against him with regard to ethanol blending, saying it is the work of a powerful import lobby upset by his decisions.

Speaking at a programme here, the minister likened himself to a “tree that bears fruit,” and said, “I don’t respond to such criticisms because then it becomes news. The tree that bears fruit is the one people throw stones at. It is better that we avoid it.” Gadkari said the focus of his policy is to promote ethanol blending, make farmers energy producers, and reduce pollution.

He claimed that the policy had directly hurt those with vested interests in fuel imports.

“About Rs 22 lakh crore were going out of the country due to imports of fossil fu