Forget Padmasana, Gadkari Unveils the "E85 Asana" AKA the Chairasan

On International Yoga Day , Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari found himself at the center of an unexpected social media trend. While the minister is known for his strong advocacy of ethanol blended fuels , it was a video of him performing a relaxed, chair supported yoga pose that grabbed attention online.

The clip quickly went viral, with social media users humorously dubbing the posture "E85 Yoga" and "Chairasan" , a playful reference to Gadkari's long standing push for higher ethanol blends in India's fuel mix.

The timing added to the joke. In recent weeks, Gadkari has accelerated discussions around India's ethanol roadmap, approving regulations that legalize 100 percent ethanol (E100) as a vehicle fuel. This move builds on the ongoing E20 fuel rollout , while pilot projects involving E85 fuel are also being explored.

The internet wasted no time connecting the dots. Meme creators joked that if the minister could comfortably relax on "E85," perhaps vehicle engines should be able to do the same. Others shared humorous posts imagining cars struggling to cope with higher ethanol blends.

However, not everyone viewed the viral moment as a joke. Many users came to Gadkari's defense, noting that this year's Yoga Day theme focuses on healthy ageing . They pointed out that chair yoga is widely recommended for senior citizens and people with mobility challenges, making the minister's choice of posture both practical and inclusive.

At the same time, critics of the government's ethanol policy used the viral clip to revisit concerns about engine compatibility , potential wear and tear in older vehicles, and debates surrounding higher ethanol blending targets. Some also revived discussions about Gadkari's family connections to ethanol related businesses, an issue that has surfaced periodically alongside his policy initiatives.

Despite the online buzz, Gadkari appeared completely unfazed. In his official Yoga Day message, he focused solely on the health benefits of yoga and made no mention of the memes flooding social media.

While the jokes may disappear from timelines in a few days, the episode highlighted how closely Nitin Gadkari's public image has become linked with India's ambitious ethanol fuel push. Even a simple yoga pose was enough to trigger a nationwide conversation filled with fuel themed humor.