The decision to deny approval of Bt brinjal was made by Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh. [...] Ramesh organized an unusually open consultation process — much more open than any other decision-making process I have ever seen on GMO’s. He solicited opinions from state governments, scientists, farmer organzations, and Indian NGO’s. He held open forums which were well attended; a lot of them are on Youtube and are pretty interesting viewing (Ramesh often challenges anti-GMO claims). Ramesh — who was moved to a different cabinet post soon after his decision — has provided a careful explanation of his decision.