Opposition sleeping on biggest issue of India right now, says popular brand manager Milan Barsopia
New Delhi: Popular brand manager and digital marketer Milan Barsopia, founder of The Right Brain and former brand manager for Jio and The Viral Fever (TVF), has criticised the Opposition for ignoring what he calls the “biggest issue” in the country right now, ethanol blending in petrol.
In a series of tweets, Barsopia said that while people are complaining about reduced mileage, possible engine damage, and the rising cost of petrol due to ethanol blending, the Opposition is busy with other issues. He pointed out that petrol prices and quality affect every citizen, regardless of caste, religion, or political affiliation.
Barsopia wrote, “People’s pockets are bleeding. Petrol affects everyone... but Rahul is busy exposing the Election Commission and voter fraud in a country where everyone already knows politics is a rigged game.” He compared the current Opposition’s strategy to the BJP’s approach when it was in Opposition, saying the BJP had focused on everyday pain points like gas cylinder prices, petrol rates, and inflation, which resonated with the public. “Jaago Rahul (and the Opposition) Jaago. The country is awakening. It’s your chance to shine,” he urged.
After receiving criticism for neglecting the “vote chori” (voter fraud) issue, Barsopia posted a follow-up tweet clarifying his stance. He acknowledged that voter fraud is “a much bigger issue” as it directly attacks democracy but expressed frustration that the public and media rarely treat it as a priority. “The sold-out media won’t touch it and will blame Rahul, and for half the country, that’s just how politics works,” he wrote.
He added that petrol prices, unlike voter fraud, cut across politics, caste, and religion, and could be the spark that awakens the people. “Thanks to those who criticised me… it will encourage me to write and frame my thoughts better,” he concluded.
Why Ethanol Blending Is an Issue in India Right Now
The Indian government has sparked outrage after implementing 20% ethanol blending in petrol — marking a nearly 13x increase over the past 11 years. The move has been met with sharp resistance from vehicle owners, with many expressing concern about its impact on car performance. Pricing of ethanol-blended fuel also remains a key flashpoint as it maintains parity and even exceeds petrol in many areas despite lower production costs.
The key issues reported by consumers and experts include:
Reduced mileage: Ethanol contains less energy per litre than petrol, meaning vehicles may consume more fuel.
Engine wear and damage: Some older vehicles and two-wheelers are not designed for high ethanol blends, leading to potential damage to fuel systems and engines.
Rising costs: Despite ethanol being cheaper to produce, petrol prices have remained high, adding to public frustration.
With petrol prices already a sensitive political issue, Barsopia argued that the Opposition has failed to highlight the economic and technical challenges of ethanol blending, even as public dissatisfaction grows.
Ethanol blending - the biggest issue that the opposition is sleeping on right now...
— Milan (@MilanBarsopia) August 10, 2025
People are crying over reduced mileage, engine damage, rising petrol costs. Their pockets are bleeding.
Petrol affects everyone... no matter caste, religion, or political leaning.
But Rahul is… pic.twitter.com/LxjSyiVuaL
I know vote chori is much bigger issue... it’s literally a direct attack on our democracy.
— Milan (@MilanBarsopia) August 10, 2025
But I wrote this tweet out of hopeless anger… because no matter how grave this is, the dark truth is it’s barely an issue for the people. The sold-out media won’t touch it and blame…
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Car catches fire on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan, five of family burnt alive
Jaipur (PTI): Five members of a family were burnt alive while the driver was seriously injured after a car caught fire on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan's Alwar district, police said on Thursday.
The incident took place near Maujpur on Wednesday night when the victims were returning from a pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir.
Additional Superintendent of Police Priyanka Raghuvanshi said fire tenders were rushed to the spot and the blaze was brought under control in 15 minutes, but by then the car was completely gutted.
The deceased have been identified as Santosh, his wife Shashi, mother Parvati and daughters Raghani and Sakshi, all residents of Chainpura in Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Kailash Jindal said a short circuit is suspected to have triggered the blaze. As it was a CNG vehicle, the fire spread fast, leaving the occupants with no time to escape.
"Only skeletal remains were recovered from the vehicle, which have been preserved separately. DNA tests will be conducted to establish their identity," he said.
The car driver, identified as Vinod Kumar Mehar, managed to jump out of the vehicle but sustained around 80 per cent burn injuries. He was initially taken to a nearby health centre and later referred to Jaipur for advanced treatment, officials said.
Further investigation is underway.
