The Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM) has scored wins since the Narendra Modi government assumed power on May 26. In the past two months, only the SJM has managed to challenge the almost unquestioned authority of Narendra Modi. The real deal was GM crops, something the prime minister appears keen to push. SJM has been opposing GM crops and their field trials too.
The Narendra Modi-led government took two steps forward on GM crops in the two months it has been in office. It was forced to take one back after the SJM as well as former BJP ideologue and environmental activist KN Govindacharya raised their hands in protest. The GM crops issue will test the SJM’s will as well as the resolve of this government.
It is not that the SJM has now changed its colours; it has always opposed GM crops. But its pedigree, closeness to the RSS and its mooring in swadeshi philosophy make it a large obstacle on the course adopted by this government on GM crops.
Read the full, original article: PM Narendra Modi’s push for GM crops faces tough opposition from Swadeshi Jagaran Manch
