Uddhav Thackeray, speaking at a victory rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on 26 July 2026, launched a scathing attack on Union Minister Nitin Gadkari over the issue of ethanol-blended petrol. The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, a former Maharashtra Chief Minister, declared that "votes can be stolen, but not people," taking a direct swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader who is often hailed as the 'Infrastructure Man' in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet.
Thackeray's Remarks at the Rally
The rally, organized by Shiv Sena (UBT) to thank supporters after recent electoral victories, saw Thackeray focus his ire on Gadkari's policies. He accused the union minister of pushing an agenda that harms ordinary citizens while benefiting corporate interests. "The government talks about ethanol blending as a solution to pollution and fuel imports, but who bears the cost? It is the people," Thackeray said, according to party sources. He further implied that the BJP has been attempting to manipulate electoral outcomes, but the public's will cannot be stolen. The venue, Shivaji Park, holds historical significance as a site for major political rallies in Mumbai, and the crowd echoed Thackeray's sentiments with chants against the BJP.
Gadkari's Role and Ethanol Policy
Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, has been one of the strongest advocates for ethanol-blended petrol in India. Under his tenure, the government accelerated the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP), targeting 20% blending by 2030. Gadkari has often highlighted that ethanol reduces crude oil imports and provides additional income to sugarcane farmers. However, critics, including Thackeray, argue that the policy diverts food crops for fuel, strains water resources, and leads to price volatility. The debate is particularly relevant for Maharashtra, a major sugarcane-producing state where water usage for sugar cultivation is already contentious.
Ethanol Blending Progress and Challenges
India's ethanol blending journey began in 2003 with a target of 5% blending, which was gradually increased. As of 2022, the country achieved around 10% blending, and the government set an ambitious goal of 20% by 2025, later revised to 2030 due to supply constraints. The program relies heavily on sugarcane-based ethanol, though efforts are underway to use alternative feedstocks like grain and agricultural waste. Challenges include the need for consistent policy support, investment in production capacity, and managing the food-versus-fuel debate. Thackeray's criticism taps into these concerns, particularly among farmers and environmental groups who question the sustainability of the program.
Political Implications
The attack on Gadkari is significant given the political landscape in Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and BJP have been bitter rivals since the 2019 split in the original Shiv Sena. Thackeray's remarks at the Shivaji Park rally aim to galvanize his support base by portraying the BJP as out of touch with common people. Gadkari, who hails from Nagpur, is a prominent face of the BJP in the state, and targeting him allows Thackeray to question the central government's policies. The rally also saw Thackeray appealing to Maharashtrian pride, emphasizing that the state's resources should benefit its people first. He alleged that the central government, under Modi, has been imposing policies that favor other states or corporate entities. "We will not allow Maharashtra to be looted," he asserted, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Reactions and Outlook
While the BJP has yet to issue an official statement on Thackeray's remarks, party sources indicated that they see the attack as a sign of desperation from the Shiv Sena (UBT) amid declining influence. Political analysts suggest that Thackeray's focus on ethanol blending may resonate with voters in rural Maharashtra, particularly sugarcane farmers who are concerned about water pricing and policy stability. As the state braces for upcoming elections, the ethanol debate is likely to become a key campaign issue. Whether Thackeray's criticism will translate into electoral gains remains to be seen, but for now, he has successfully put the spotlight on a policy that has both supporters and detractors.
