Derek O’Brien, a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the Rajya Sabha, raised concerns on March 19, questioning whether the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is resorting to tactics of intimidation, effectively transforming the Election Commission into its “party office.”
O’Brien emphasized that the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC is urging for Supreme Court-monitored Lok Sabha elections, citing BJP’s alleged attempts to undermine institutions like the Election Commission of India.
Expressing his dismay, the Rajya Sabha member queried whether the BJP’s apprehension about facing the electorate is leading it to manipulate the poll panel for its partisan interests.
In a statement shared on X, O’Brien expressed his frustration with the BJP’s alleged attempts to undermine democratic institutions, particularly the Election Commission of India. He questioned whether the BJP’s actions signify a fear of electoral defeat, resulting in the manipulation of the electoral process to target opposition parties.
Tweet:-
BJP’s filthy tricks destroying institutions like ECI. Are BJP so nervous to face people that they are turning ECI into a party office to target Oppn? ECI or HMV? Transferring officers of elected State govts! For free & fair elections
WE WANT SUPREME COURT MONITORED ELECTION 2024— Derek O’Brien | ডেরেক ও’ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) March 19, 2024
Referring to the Election Commission’s recent directive issued on March 18, which resulted in the removal of several top officials in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, including West Bengal police chief Rajeev Kumar, O’Brien emphasized the need for Supreme Court oversight in the upcoming elections.
Highlighting the significance of a fair electoral process, O’Brien stressed the TMC’s demand for Supreme Court-monitored elections to ensure transparency and prevent any undue influence on the democratic process.
The Election Commission’s directive, particularly concerning the transfer of West Bengal’s Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar, sparked a political altercation between the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP. While the BJP welcomed the EC’s move, the TMC questioned its motives, alleging political bias.
With the Lok Sabha elections scheduled to commence on April 19 in seven phases across the country, West Bengal, a key battleground state sending 42 members to the Lok Sabha, will witness polling in seven phases. In the previous 2019 elections, the TMC secured 22 seats, while the BJP clinched 18 seats, with the Congress winning two seats in West Bengal.