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Tehseen Poonawalla

Tehseen Poonawalla is an entrepreneur, political analyst, columnist and civil rights activist who frequently appears on national television debates to discuss Indian politics, public policy and current affairs. His television appearances, legal activism and campaigns on issues ranging from electoral reforms to fuel policy have kept him in the national spotlight.  


Poonawalla has been at the centre of a national debate over the Centre's E20 ethanol-blended petrol policy. Leading a group called Team Bharat, he has described the programme as an ethanol scam, arguing that mandatory 20% ethanol blending reduces fuel efficiency while consumers continue to pay higher prices. He has also raised concerns about the impact of E20 fuel on vehicles manufactured before 2023 and has campaigned for greater transparency and policy review.


Born in Pune, Maharashtra, in May 1981, Poonawalla is a TEDx speaker and life coach. He is married to Monica Vadera, cousin of businessman Robert Vadra, making him a distant relative of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by marriage. He is also the elder brother of BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, though the two have publicly differed on political issues over the years. 
 

Poonawalla has been active in public advocacy through legal interventions, public campaigns and Right to Information (RTI) applications. He has often taken up issues relating to accountability, governance and transparency. Apart from political commentary, he has worked as a social media consultant, entrepreneur and author.

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STORIES

Big E20 stir today: Kejriwal to start campaign, Poonawalla hunger strike

AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal is all set to launch a campaign against the Centre's ethanol-blended petrol policy in New Delhi on Saturday by holding a "National Town Hall Against E20". Activist Tehseen Poonawalla will also be escalating his agitation with a silent march and hunger strike in Delhi.

Have ethanol protests pushed Centre's E25 plans further into future?

After protests online and offline, the government seems to be going slow on its plans of higher blends of ethanol in petrol. However, for protesters like Tehseen Poonawalla, the reported rethink on E25 is just the "first victory". The government has to make suitable fuel available for all vehicles, they say.

In first E20 protest, motorists claim drop in mileage, choked car fuel system

From stalled engines and falling mileage to costly repairs, allegations made on social media were heard on the streets of Delhi as people protested against the implementation of the ethanol-blending policy. Motorists at Delhi's Jantar Mantar claimed E20 petrol was damaging their cars, and that they had evidence of that.

Ahead of first E20 protest, Team Bharat dares Delhi Police on protesters limit

Organisers of Sunday's anti-E20 protest at Jantar Mantar say that the Delhi Police, while giving verbal permission, has imposed a 200-person cap. Entrepreneur Tehseen Poonwalla, who is leading the agitation, has criticised the cops' decision and also warned to expose lies by government-backed auto industry experts.

Will sit outside Gadkari's house, says Tehseen Poonawalla ahead of E20 protest

India is set to witness its first street protest over the sale of ethanol-blended petrol. A protest led by entrepreneur Tehseen Poonawalla is planned at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Sunday. What if police permission isn't granted? Poonawalla shares his alternative plan, in a light-hearted manner, but with steely resolve.

Court scraps hefty fine on Tehseen Poonawalla for monk tweet, slams moral policing

The Supreme Court said that since it was already concluded that no offence was made out, the High Court should not have exercised its advisory jurisdiction by commenting on the priest’s societal contributions compared to those of the accused. In 2019, the High Court imposed a penalty of Rs 10 lakh on political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla.

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VIDEOS

Republic Day Special Report: How India's Strategic Will Broke Pakistan's Nuclear Bluff In 2025

In this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant examines India's 77th Republic Day celebrations and the nation's evolving security paradigm. The program highlights European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s statement regarding India’s role in global stability and the progress of the India-EU security and defense partnership. A central focus is placed on 'Operation Sindoor' and a Swiss military think-tank report detailing India's air superiority over Pakistan. Experts Lieutenant General K.J.S. Dhillon and Air Marshal M. Mateshwaran analyze precision strikes on strategic targets, including Sargodha and Jacobabad airbases, which reportedly called Pakistan's nuclear bluff. The discussion covers reported casualties of 400 Pakistani soldiers in the Lipa Valley and the impact of Indian political will on regional dynamics. Additional coverage includes AI-enabled surveillance displays at Kartavya Path, the historic participation of women in military contingents, an internal purge within China's PLA, and the upcoming India-EU Free Trade Agreement. The report also addresses entry restriction controversies at Badrinath-Kedarnath temples.

Gaurav Sawant Debates: Should Non-Hindus Be Restricted From Badrinath and Kedarnath Temples?

In this episode of India First, host Gaurav Sawant leads a heated debate on the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee's proposal to restrict non-Hindu entry to protect Vedic culture. Gaurav Sawant notes that 'Devbhumi Uttarakhand is staring at a fresh flashpoint' as faith and politics collide. Political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla argues against the move, stating that Hinduism is an inclusive way of life and that as someone from a Muslim family who worships Lord Shiva, such restrictions feel unfair. Conversely, author Shantanu Gupta supports the committee's right to set rules, citing global examples like Mecca and specific Christian monasteries where entry is restricted. The discussion explores whether these measures are necessary to maintain sanctity or if they represent a divisive agenda, especially following reports of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami backing the committee's decision-making authority.