Mumbai: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has hit back at critics questioning his push for ethanol-blended fuel, asserting that his efforts are driven by a commitment to farmers’ welfare, not personal gain.
Speaking at an event organised by the Agricos Welfare Society in Nagpur, Gadkari declared, “My brain earns ₹200 crore a month.” I’m not short of money, nor do I stoop to profiteering.”
His fiery response comes amid allegations that his advocacy for ethanol benefits his son’s business ventures.
The controversy, which reached the Supreme Court before being dismissed, stems from claims that ethanol blending in petrol damages vehicles. Gadkari dismissed these as “social media fabrications”, insisting that his initiatives aim to uplift farmers, particularly in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, where 10,000 farmer suicides remain a “matter of shame”. He stated, “I’m no saint, but a politician with a family. Yet, my work is for farmers’ prosperity, not profit.”
Addressing accusations of a conflict of interest, Gadkari clarified that he only provides ideas to his son, who runs a global agribusiness. “My son’s export-import ventures include 800 containers of apples from Iran and 1,000 containers of bananas sent abroad,” he said, detailing further operations like supplying 300 containers of fish from Goa to Serbia and running a milk powder factory in Australia that ships 150 containers to Abu Dhabi. Additionally, his son manages 26 rice mills in collaboration with ITC, producing five lakh tonnes of rice flour that Gadkari purchases for his projects. “This is how business acumen creates opportunities in agriculture,” he remarked, framing these ventures as examples of innovation, not nepotism.
The minister also lambasted political opponents, accusing them of exploiting divisions for electoral gains. “Backwardness has become a political tool,” he warned, reaffirming his commitment to honest earnings. The ethanol debate has intensified scrutiny on Gadkari, with Opposition parties like Congress alleging that his son’s companies, such as CIAN Agro Industries and Manas Agro, have seen exponential growth due to the government’s ethanol policy.
However, industry data suggests these firms hold a modest share compared to larger players like Balrampur Chini and Triveni.
As India advances its 20% ethanol blending (E20) programme, Gadkari remains steadfast, highlighting its benefits in reducing oil imports and boosting rural incomes. His bold defence and candid remarks have reignited discussions at the intersection of policy and personal interests, ensuring the ethanol controversy remains a hot topic ahead of key political battles.