Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, strongly defended the Centre's ethanol-blending programme despite growing criticism over its impact on vehicle fuel efficiency. Speaking in an exclusive interview with ABP News Executive Editor, Megha Prasad, Gadkari dismissed claims that E20 petrol damages vehicle engines. He maintained that the primary objective of the initiative is to reduce India's dependence on fuel imports while promoting indigenous and sustainable alternatives.