Govt opposes GM mustard policy

Tribune News Service 

New Delhi, October 2

Joining the nationwide protest against the Union government's GM mustard policy, the Delhi Government today celebrated the cultural richness of organic mustard during a programme called "Jashn-e-Sarson" wherein JD(U) MP KC Tyagi too supported the cause of farmers. The stage was shared by activists from ASHA, Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Bharatiya Kisaan Sangh and Bhartiya Kisaan Sangh. 

The government stands by the farmers and consumers of this country, said Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra while adding that Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had earlier written a letter to the Prime Minister in January this year urging the Centre not to approve GM mustard. 

The government will send public feedback and videos opposing GM mustard to the BJP-led Centre. 

Bhartiya Kisaan Union and Bhartiya Kisaan Sangh too joined hands with the Kejriwal government at a time when various farmer groups are protesting against the GM mustard. 

KC Tyagi, Rajya Sabha MP and senior leader of JD (U) stressed the need for everyone to rise above the party lines to ensure that the government understands the true issue of the GM mustard. Vested interests or poor science must not ruin the decision that will affect crores of farmers and consumers, he said. 

According to MM Mishra, Bharitya Kisan Sangh, GM mustard is yet another way through which the farmer will lose his livelihood and multinational companies will gain at their expense. 

"We appeal to the citizens to ensure that the government doesn't go through with this policy of GM mustard. It was BT-Brinjal last time and people mobilised. History will repeat itself," said Mishra.