Bt brinjal: No conflict says Cong; subtle backing for Ramesh

With the issue of introduction of Bt brinjal leading to conflicting claims from environment minister Jairam Ramesh and agriculture minister Sharad Pawar, Congress today appeared to be backing Ramesh. The party at the same time maintained there is "no question of conflict".

"Environment minister has only stated that notwithstanding the recommendation of a Committee whether statutory or otherwise, the government continues to retain over-riding authority. To that extent the minister is correct," party spokesperson Manish Tewari said.

He at the same time maintained, "It is not a conflict between environment and agriculture ministries. It is not a question of conflict."

Ramesh had yesterday rebutted his senior colleague and agriculture minister Sharad Pawar over the introduction of Bt brinjal contesting his stand that the decision of an expert panel giving clearance is final and Centre does not have any say.

Pawar, had said the expert committee's (Genetically Engineering Approval Committee) decision on the introduction of Bt brinjal will be final and the Centre does not have any say on the issue.

Differing with Pawar, Ramesh said the "expert panel may well be a statutory body but when critical issues of human safety are involved, the government has every right and in fact, has basic responsibility to take the final decision based on the panel's suggestions."

When pointed out that the price of milk increased in Maharashtra after Pawar's statement on milk shortage in North India, Tewari said the Agriculture Minister has given his clarification himself and no more needs to be added.

He also attacked BJP for its criticism of Pawar saying that the opposition party should correct its own intent and policy first.

At the same time, Tewari maintained that Congress is of the view that there should be every effort by the agriculture ministry to contain the prices of food items.

"I don't think the agriculture minister needs any suggestion on how he should give statement in public. He is a very senior person," he said. Tewari also said the downward trend in prices of goods
noticed in some items is a reflection of the seriousness with which the government has made attempts to bring down prices.

He also refused to make any comment when asked whether it was a case of backtracking by Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan on the issue of making Marathi knowledge necessary for getting taxi driving license there.

"After the chief minister's clarification which is both holistic and comprehensive, there is nothing to add or subtract," he said.

On the demand for consultations for a separate Vidarbha state carved out of Maharashtra on the line of Telangana, Tewari said, "Whatever is in the best interests of the people of Vidarbha will be done after talking to all parties and as per a consensus."