‘My Brain Worth ₹200 Crore a Month’, Gadkari Slams Criticism
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari rejects allegations of profiteering in the E20 ethanol-blended petrol programme, stressing it boosts farmer income and curbs pollution.
- Gadkari calls ethanol criticism a “paid politically motivated campaign”
- Says his “brain is worth ₹200 crore a month,” denies profiteering
- Supreme Court dismisses PIL questioning E20 fuel safety
- E20 blending credited with boosting farmer incomes and reducing pollution
- Minister cites Nagpur “fruit malls” as development-driven initiative
GG News Bureau
Nagpur, 15th Sept: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday brushed aside allegations against the government’s ethanol-blended petrol programme, calling the attacks “paid and politically motivated,” and declared he has no personal financial interest in the initiative.
Addressing an event of the Agricos Welfare Society in Nagpur, Gadkari said, “My brain is worth ₹200 crore a month. I am not at all short of money and I don’t stoop low,” stressing that his business suggestions are driven by development, not profit.
Critics have claimed that blending petrol with 20 per cent ethanol (E20) could damage engines, worsen water shortages, and benefit companies linked to his family. Without naming them, Gadkari responded, “I give ideas to my sons, but I do not resort to fraud,” citing his own ventures in sugar, distillery and power, and his son’s fruit import–export trade with Iran.
The minister highlighted the government’s success with E20 fuel, saying it boosts farmers’ incomes and cuts pollution. “Production of ethanol from sugarcane, maize and rice has increased prices of these crops. Maize farmers alone earned ₹45,000 crore due to higher demand,” he said, noting that the programme was recognised at the G20 summit.
He pointed to the Supreme Court’s dismissal of a PIL challenging E20, which alleged vehicle safety and insurance risks. “All testing agencies have confirmed there is no problem with implementation,” Gadkari said.
He also cited efforts to set up “fruit malls” in Nagpur to help farmers and vendors sell directly in prime city locations, adding, “I am not doing all this for my own earnings. My income is ample.”
