Ramesh seems to have given a new twist to this debate by saying that GEAC itself had suggested government intervention. ”Since this decision of GEAC has important policy implications at the national level, GEAC has decided the recommendation for environmental release may be put up before the government for taking a final view on the matter,” Ramesh told Business Standard as he read from a letter dated September 15, 2009. GEAC Chairman M Farooqui, who is also special secretary in the environment ministry, confirmed such a letter had been sent before he took over in December. In a more direct attack on his ministerial colleagues, Ramesh said: ”Bt brinjal is not just a farmer issue. We cannot ignore larger consumer groups.”