'Modi understands language of votes only': Kejriwal reveals plan to pressure Centre over E20 policy

Arvind Kejriwal comments come as part of his solution to pressure the Modi govt to roll back E20 fuel policy.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday launched an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he only understands the “language of votes,” and urged everyone to vote BJP out of power in the 2027 Goa assembly polls.

Kejriwal comments come as part of his solution to pressure the Modi govt to roll back E20 fuel policy.

Addressing AAP volunteers in Margao, Kejriwal urged people to unite, saying the BJP's defeat would “shatter PM Modi's arrogance”. He said the drubbing of the BJP in Goa will force the Prime Minister to withdraw the E20 policy.

"Modi ji doesn't listen to anyone. He thinks he will win anyway. He thinks people will vote for him no matter what he does," Kejriwal said.

Also Read: E20 petrol ‘well within’ quality limits, oil companies dismiss contamination concerns after nationwide tests

He had made a similar appeal to the public on Friday at a press conference, stressing that losing the Goa assembly polls would force BJP to withdraw E20 within five days.

“Come together to defeat the BJP in the Goa election and break their overconfidence. I guarantee the government will withdraw E20 within five days of the election result,” he said.

"This time, if the people of Goa come together and defeat the BJP, the results will come on March 10 (2027). And you can quote me on this: 'by March 15, Modi ji will withdraw E20'," he said.

Referring to a conversation he claimed to have had with a person in Goa, Kejriwal said the coastal state's voters could "make Modi sweat" by defeating the BJP, news agency PTI reported.

"If this time Modi ji thinks that the BJP will win Goa....If the people of Goa come together and defeat the BJP, then Modi ji's arrogance will be shattered," he said.

Citing the student protests in New Delhi that forced then education minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign, Kejriwal underlined that the Centre was compelled to act because it felt public support turning away.

"When it comes to votes, only then will Modi ji understand. He understands only the language of votes, and he does not understand any other language," the AAP national convener said.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi's big plan regarding the E20 issue gets a ‘Pappu’ retort from the BJP: ‘Puri Daal hi kaali hai’

‘If you want to save your vehicle…’

Kejriwal hinted that his party will make E20 as one of its mail poll planks, saying, “The key is in your hands. If you want to save your vehicle, your motorcycle, your car, your scooter, then break Modi ji's arrogance once. This time, defeat Modi ji in Goa."

Kejriwal has been one of the most vocal critics of the E20 fuel policy. He had led a march to the prime minister's house with 100 people to submit petitions against ethanol-blended fuel.

The AAP chief alleged that India had “yielded” to US President Donald Trump to purchase “ethanol from the United States,” suggesting a “hidden agenda” behind the government’s continued push for ethanol-blended petrol.

Karishma Ayaldasani is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, based in New Delhi, where she works with the digital team on fast-moving breaking stories from India and around the world. She enjoys covering national and global news, focusing on delivering updates quickly and clearly so readers can make sense of what’s happening as it unfolds. Comfortable in high-pressure newsroom settings, she regularly contributes to live blogs, explainers and real-time coverage. Before joining Hindustan Times, she was part of the digital team at The Indian Express, worked with the social media team at Firstpost, and spent time as a creative strategist at Clematis Advertising. Outside of work, she likes exploring different art forms and unwinds with music. With over three years of experience in fast-paced newsrooms, she brings curiosity, clarity and consistency to her work.Read More