Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Monday, September 29, 2025, firmly stated his refusal to engage with ongoing allegations concerning ethanol blending. He characterized these accusations as a deliberate effort by a powerful import lobby, severely displeased with the outcomes of his policy decisions.
Speaking at an event in Nagpur, Gadkari used a poignant analogy, likening himself to a “tree that bears fruit.” He explained, “I don’t respond to such criticisms because that’s when they gain traction. It’s the fruit-bearing tree that people throw stones at. It’s wiser to simply sidestep such distractions.” The Minister underscored that his primary policy objective is to champion ethanol blending, transforming farmers into energy producers, and drastically cutting down pollution. He explicitly linked the push for ethanol to directly impacting the financial interests of those entrenched in fuel imports.
“A colossal ₹22 lakh crore was leaving our country annually due to the import of fossil fuels,” Gadkari revealed. “Their established businesses suffered, leading to their frustration and a subsequent campaign of paid news against me.”
He further emphasized his integrity, asserting, “I have never accepted a single rupee from any contractor, which is why contractors hold a certain apprehension towards me.”
Gadkari reiterated his commitment to his work, vowing not to be swayed by what he considers routine and predictable political smear tactics. “The public is well aware of the truth… I have faced and overcome similar challenges many times in the past,” he added.
The controversy in question notably involves CIAN Agro Industries, a company managed by Nitin Gadkari’s son, Nikhil Gadkari. The company has seen a remarkable surge in its profits and revenues since the BJP-led government introduced the mandate for 20% ethanol blending in petrol.
CIAN Agro’s revenue skyrocketed from ₹17.47 crore in Q1 FY24 to an impressive ₹510.8 crore in Q1 FY26. Concurrently, its profits, once almost negligible, surged to over ₹52 crore, largely fueled by the burgeoning ethanol blending sector and strategic expansion into new business ventures.
The company’s share price on the BSE also experienced a dramatic rise, jumping from ₹172 a year ago to ₹2,023 on Monday. Analysts note that this significant growth is not solely attributed to ethanol sales but also stems from “other income” and new business avenues explored by the company.