Derek O'Brien

Derek O'Brien

MP, Rajya Sabha
Birth DetailsMarch 13, 1961 | Kolkata
NationalityIndian
LeaguePolitician
EducationBA, Scottish Church College, Kolkata
Derek O'Brien's Journey so far ...
  • An arts graduate of Kolkata's prestigious Scottish Church College, Derek O'Brien began his professional career as a journalist with the Sportsworld magazine
  • He joined as a creative head in the advertising firm Ogilvy in 1984 and led its Delhi and Kolkata units. At the same time, he also started hosting quiz shows and embarked on a career as a quizmaster
  • He became famous as a quizmaster after successful shows like Bata North Star Quiz, Maggi Quiz and the Bournvita Quiz Contest that were centred around school students
  • His entry into corporate quiz shows started with the Economic Times Brand Equity Quiz, which became extremely popular with company executives in India
  • He left Ogilvy in 1991 and started his own firm, Big Ideas, that was later renamed, Derek O'Brien & Associates
  • Inspired by the charisma and personality of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee, he joined the party in 2004
  • O’Brien was soon appointed as the spokesperson of TMC and came to the limelight during Banerjee’s agitation against the CPM government's land acquisition in Singur. He was responsible for the party's outreach on various social media platforms
  • He was elected to the Rajya Sabha after the TMC made history in the 2011 West Bengal Assembly elections by routing the Left from the state
  • O'Brien was the chief whip before being appointed as the leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha in 2015. He was re-elected to the Upper House in 2017
  • In March 2015, he was appointed as the chief national spokesperson for the TMC
  • He has been the face of TMC in several parliamentary debates in the Rajya Sabha and has put the government on the dock on issues such as the controversial farm laws, CAA, demonetisation, net neutrality and issues related to the railways. He also drafted a "Repealing Bill 2021" against the farm laws
  • The TMC leader is among the leading questioners in the Rajya Sabha and serves on several parliamentary committees like tourism, transport and culture
  • The Trinamool MP has conducted interactive sessions on parliamentary democracy, Banerjee’s mass movements in noted institutes like Yale, Columbia, IIMs, IIT and National Law School

Before you go ...
  • O'Brien is the author of many bestseller books such as Inside Parliament: Views for the Front Row, My Way and Speak Up Speak Out. He is the publisher of TMC mouthpiece 'Jago Bangla'
  • In July 2012, he became the first Anglo-Indian to vote in the Presidential poll. Members of his community are mostly nominated to Parliament and Assemblies and have no right to vote for the top Constitutional post
  • His father Neil O'Brien was a pioneer of quizzing in India and a leader of the Anglo-Indian community

Last Updated: 26/10/2021

Derek O'Brien News

  • Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien has called reports of a party merger fake news. This comes amid speculation following recent meetings between Trinamool Congress and Congress leaders in New Delhi. Mamata Banerjee met Sonia Gandhi, and Abhishek Banerjee met Rahul Gandhi. Both parties state these interactions aim to strengthen opposition coordination and not discuss a merger.
  • TMC leaders have detailed the Tata Group's extensive operations and growth in West Bengal over the past 15 years. Companies like Tata Consultancy Services and Tata Hitachi are expanding their presence. Several Tata hotel brands operate in the state. This information counters recent remarks by the state BJP president about attracting the Tata Group back to West Bengal.
  • Trinamool Congress leaders Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee have voiced their support for the satirical digital group Cockroach Janta Party. This comes as the party reviews its recent electoral performance. The Cockroach Janta Party gained traction online after a controversy involving the Chief Justice of India. The group has faced social media account issues.
  • The Trinamool Congress has suspended three spokespersons for six years. This action follows alleged anti-party remarks made after the party's defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections. The spokespersons were accused of violating party discipline. The party issued show-cause notices to several spokespersons for comments critical of leadership and electoral strategy.
  • Amid the second and final phase of polling in the West Bengal Assembly elections on Wednesday, Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien took a sharp swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, daring him to resign from the top post if the ruling TMC wins the state.
  • Derek O'Brien accused the Centre of using women’s reservation as a cover to push delimitation, alleging it could alter political representation.
  • Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien accused the Centre of "mocking Parliament" over the women's reservation and delimitation bills. He stated that lawmakers have not yet received the draft legislation, despite Parliament convening soon. The Union Cabinet has cleared draft bills to reserve 273 seats for women in the Lok Sabha and increase its strength to 816.
  • Derek O'Brien of Trinamool Congress accuses Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of mocking Parliament. He states their actions are political theatrics before upcoming elections. The government plans a special parliamentary session to implement women's reservation. This involves increasing Lok Sabha seats and reserving seats for women.
  • A ten-minute meeting between the Trinamool Congress and the Election Commission turned stormy, with the TMC alleging the Chief Election Commissioner told them to "get lost." The EC countered that TMC members disrupted the meeting and shouted. The exchange escalated to social media, with both sides issuing sharp retorts regarding the upcoming West Bengal polls.
  • Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised concerns in Rajya Sabha over an impending LPG cylinder shortage, attributing it to the West Asia conflict and criticizing the government's preparedness. Leader of the House JP Nadda countered, accusing the Congress of politicizing the issue and assuring no cause for worry.
  • Trinamool Congress members walked out of the Rajya Sabha protesting the Election Commission's decision. The poll body removed West Bengal's Chief Secretary and Home Secretary. This move happened hours after announcing assembly poll dates. The Trinamool Congress condemned the midnight reshuffle. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the Election Commission's authority. He stated that questioning constitutional bodies is not wise.
  • Opposition members staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. They protested the SIR process and demanded a debate on electoral reforms. The Chairman rejected their request. Later, Opposition members returned for Question Hour. A verbal exchange occurred between the Leader of the House and a Trinamool MP. The Leader of the House criticized the West Bengal government.
  • Trinamool Congress leader Derek OBrien has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent interview. OBrien called the Prime Minister's words hollow and referred to him as a teleprompter tycoon. He stated that Modi avoids speaking in Parliament. The Lok Sabha passed the Motion of Thanks without the Prime Minister's reply. The Prime Minister had previously replied to the Rajya Sabha debate.
  • Derek O'Brien, a TMC Rajya Sabha MP, has urged the government to implement a universal basic minimum wage. He highlighted unemployment among youth and stagnant wages for employed individuals. O'Brien proposed 'UMANG', a legally binding national minimum wage to boost consumption and alleviate poverty across all sectors, including unorganised and gig workers.
  • The Trinamool Congress has labeled West Bengal's electoral roll revision as 'Software Intensive Rigging'. Party leaders are demanding greater transparency from the Election Commission. They want the commission to release transcripts of recent meetings. The Supreme Court has also directed the EC to ensure the process is transparent and does not inconvenience voters.
  • The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Election Commission of India. This follows a plea by Trinamool Congress MPs. They are challenging the process of revising electoral rolls in West Bengal. Instructions are reportedly being sent via WhatsApp. This has raised concerns about accountability and fairness. The court will hear the matter next week.
  • The Election Commission of India will meet a Trinamool Congress delegation in New Delhi on Friday following a request by MP Derek O'Brien. Meanwhile, Trinamool-backed block-level officers and teachers continue their protest for over 30 hours outside the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's office, demanding fulfillment of their demands and addressing allegations of "tremendous pressure."
  • Opposition parties have strongly criticized the 2016 demonetisation exercise. They labelled it a disastrous decision that devastated the livelihoods of millions and crippled trade. Leaders from Congress, Trinamool Congress, and Shiv Sena (UBT) voiced their strong disapproval. They highlighted the negative impact on the unorganised sector and MSMEs. The move is being remembered as a significant economic setback.
  • Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien marked the ninth anniversary of demonetisation by calling it the "biggest fraud on Indians." He shared an excerpt of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's past speech seeking 50 days to assess the note ban's impact. O'Brien contrasted this with his own parliamentary speech, quoting Mamata Banerjee's concerns about financial chaos for common people and small traders.
  • TMC leader Derek O'Brien slammed the BJP for 15-day Winter session of Parliament which is scheduled to be held from December 1 to 19.. He claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his team have a morbid fear of facing Parliament.
  • Derek O'Brien criticizes the government after the Supreme Court stayed parts of the Waqf Amendment Act. He questions the Act's constitutionality. O'Brien alleges parliamentary procedure was mocked during the bill's passage. He raises concerns about laws targeting specific communities. He argues the state shouldn't decide who qualifies as a minority.
  • Amid cross-voting reports in the vice presidential poll, Derek O'Brien criticized the government for focusing on minor vote counts instead of addressing critical issues. He highlighted the US tariff imposition, Manipur violence, MGNREGA funds blockage for West Bengal, and other significant concerns. O'Brien urged accountability on these pressing matters, deeming them more important than the vice presidential election's vote margin.
  • TMC MP Derek O'Brien has outlined several suggestions for the new Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairperson, C P Radhakrishnan, emphasizing the importance of accepting opposition notices and increasing parliamentary scrutiny of bills.
  • TMC's Derek O'Brien said that cess is hurting federalism. States are concerned about shrinking tax revenues, he claimed, adding that the Centre gets all cess funds. He said states want a larger share of tax collections and that a lot of cess and surcharge money is unused. GST rationalisation is a good step if people benefit. States had asked for compensation.
  • The Monsoon Session of Parliament faced frequent disruptions. Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien accused the Centre of being defensive. He alleged the government distracted from key issues. The Opposition protested over electoral roll revisions in Bihar. They also opposed bills regarding the removal of ministers. The Lok Sabha lost significant time due to adjournments.
  • Derek O'Brien claims Bharatiya Janata Party fears discussing Bihar's SIR. He calls it silent invisible rigging. Trinamool Congress will tutor the Modi coalition on parliamentary procedure. This will help them discuss the issue. Opposition demands SIR discussion in Parliament. They will also march to the Election Commission office on August 8. The Monsoon Session faces disruption due to protests.
  • INDIA bloc parties are intensifying their protests both inside and outside Parliament regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, particularly in Bihar. Opposition leaders are contemplating a march to the Election Commission headquarters next week to voice their concerns. They allege the SIR exercise could disenfranchise vulnerable populations lacking required citizenship documents, labeling it as "vote-theft.
  • Derek O'Brien accused the government of disrupting Parliament to avoid debates on the Special Intensive Revision exercise in Bihar, alleging they are targeting Bengal. Both Houses faced adjournments due to opposition demands for a discussion on the electoral roll revision ahead of the Assembly polls.
  • Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien criticised the Election Commission's special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, calling it a "sinister move" to implement the National Register of Citizens through the backdoor. He questioned the timing of the exercise, alleging it was driven by the BJP's internal survey results in Bengal.
  • Derek O'Brien alleges the government is dodging a special Parliament session. This session was requested to discuss Operation Sindoor. The government announced the Monsoon Session. Opposition parties had jointly requested the special session. They want to address the Pahalgam terror attack and India's response. Sixteen parties signed a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • AITC Chairperson Mamata Banerjee is sending a delegation to Srinagar, Poonch, and Rajouri. The 5-member team will visit from May 21 to 23, 2025. Derek O'Brien and others are part of the delegation. This visit follows recent cross-border attacks. The delegation aims to show support for affected people. They also want to share the sorrow of grieving families.
  • Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court granted bail to TMC leaders, including Derek O'Brien and Sagarika Ghosh, who were involved in a protest outside the Election Commission of India (ECI) in April 2024. The leaders were charged with disobeying public orders and unlawful assembly. The court released them on personal bonds, and the next hearing is scheduled for May 21.
  • Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court has summoned ten Trinamool Congress leaders, including MPs Derek O'Brien and Saket Gokhale, regarding an April 8 protest outside the Election Commission of India. The TMC leaders were detained for demanding the removal of chiefs from central agencies, accusing them of bias towards the BJP before the 2024 elections.
  • Trinamool floor leader Derek O'Brien was pleasantly surprised when AAP MP Raghav Chadda showed him a certificate from a quiz show O'Brien hosted. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar praised Trinamool MP Dola Sen for her vocal advocacy on her birthday, recalling a memorable encounter. NPP chief James Sangma's new role highlights the Sangma family's dominance in Meghalaya politics.
  • Trinamool Congress MPs walked out of the Rajya Sabha on Friday after the House prioritized discussion on the working of the Home Ministry over the Question Hour and Private Members' Bills. Opposition MPs, including TMC, argued that this decision undermined their opportunity to question the government and present personal initiatives.
  • West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee accuses BJP of enlisting fake voters from other states with Election Commission support, mirroring tactics used in Delhi and Maharashtra elections. She threatens indefinite protests to correct the electoral roll ahead of upcoming polls.
  • AITC leaders Derek O'Brien and Mahua Moitra met IUML supremo Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal in Kerala during a two-day visit. The focus was on strengthening alliances within the INDIA bloc ahead of upcoming elections. Thangal mentioned that internal UDF discussions would guide future steps.
  • The Congress has highlighted issues such as inflation, unemployment, the Maha Kumbh stampede, and alleged insults to B R Ambedkar, asserting the unity of the INDIA bloc in Parliament. The Budget Session is expected to be tumultuous with debates over the alleged mismanagement of the Maha Kumbh festival and VIP culture.
  • Derek O'Brien, a Trinamool Congress RS MP, predicts no Deputy Speaker appointment in the current Budget session. He highlights women's significant role, noting Trinamool Congress's 39% female lawmaker ratio, the highest among major parties. He questions Vice President Dhankhar's parliamentary conduct and speculates if the Opposition will push for another impeachment motion.
  • Mamata Banerjee is considered the poorest chief minister in India, with assets of just over Rs 15 lakh, as per a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms. In contrast, Andhra Pradesh's N Chandrababu Naidu is the richest with over Rs 931 crore in assets.
  • TMC leader Derek O'Brien claimed Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar spoke for nearly 30% of the Upper House's time. The opposition filed an impeachment motion against Dhankhar. They allege he speaks too much and is biased. Deputy Chairman Harivansh rejected the motion. The opposition plans to refile the motion in the next session.
  • Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien has filed a privilege notice against Home Minister Amit Shah over remarks about B.R. Ambedkar. O'Brien alleges Shah's statements insulted Ambedkar and Parliament. TMC MPs protested in the Rajya Sabha and walked out, accusing Shah of disrespecting the architect of India's Constitution. They questioned the BJP's treatment of marginalized communities.
  • Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien filed a privilege notice against Home Minister Amit Shah for remarks made about B.R. Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha. Shah's comments, criticizing the Congress for frequently invoking Ambedkar's name, sparked protests and adjournments in both Houses of Parliament.
  • The Trinamool Congress desires a Rajya Sabha debate on the Constitution. The party blames the BJP for past disruptions. A no-trust motion against the Vice President is pending. The debate will cover key constitutional principles. Prime Minister Modi is expected to respond on Tuesday. The Lok Sabha already debated the Constitution last week.
  • In the Rajya Sabha, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi alleged foreign powers are attempting to disrupt Parliament by releasing controversial reports or videos before each session. He cited several instances, including reports on farmers, Pegasus, Hindenburg, and the BBC documentary, coinciding with session starts. The Opposition protested these claims, leading to an adjournment.
  • Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien accuses the BJP of causing repeated adjournments in Parliament and avoiding discussions on important issues. Despite an agreement to resume parliamentary functions, he criticizes the government's handling of opposition notices and legislative processes. TMC emphasizes raising issues like central fund deprivation and inflation.
  • TMC leader Derek O'Brien criticised the delay in forming parliamentary standing committees, noting that only two out of 10 Bills were scrutinised in the last Lok Sabha compared to seven out of 10 in the 15th Lok Sabha. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju assured that the committees would be constituted shortly.
  • The Congress party and other opposition leaders have criticised the "One Nation, One Election" initiative, calling it impractical and a distraction from real issues. They argue that it undermines federalism and democratic accountability. The proposal has been labeled a "cheap stunt" by some, with concerns about logistical challenges and constitutional amendments required for implementation.
  • Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien raised concerns over the rising petrol prices in India despite a decline in global crude oil prices. He pointed out that while crude oil prices have dropped by 24 percent over the last decade, petrol prices in India have increased by 30 percent.
  • Senior TMC leader Derek O'Brien has questioned the CBI about the status of the charge-sheet in the RG Kar hospital rape-murder case. The TMC has been urging the CBI to file the charge-sheet promptly. The Calcutta High Court had transferred the investigation from Kolkata Police to the CBI in August, following the arrest of a civic volunteer as the main accused.
  • TMC leader Derek O'Brien has expressed concern to Rajya Sabha Leader J P Nadda over delays in forming Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees. Highlighting the reduction in bill scrutiny and parliamentary sessions, O'Brien urged swift action to uphold legislative quality and democratic processes, emphasizing the committees' role in detailed discussions.
  • TMC leader Derek O'Brien has urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to remove the 18% GST on health and life insurance premiums at the upcoming GST Council meeting. He argues that the tax is a burden on the middle class and may discourage people from buying or renewing insurance. O'Brien cited a February 2024 report from the Standing Committee on Finance recommending a reduction in GST rates to make insurance more affordable.
  • Following Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's call for a rally, TMC elaborated on the need for the CBI to complete its investigation into the rape and murder of a junior doctor. TMC MP Derek O'Brien emphasized the importance of daily updates from the CBI and stressed that justice must be swift and harsh.
  • The Opposition's effort to bring up Vinesh Phogat's Olympic disqualification in Rajya Sabha was blocked by Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, causing protests and a walkout. Dhankhar condemned their actions, insisting the topic not be politicized. Haryana's Chief Minister reassured Phogat of receiving benefits equivalent to a silver medal winner.
  • Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar left the House after heated clashes with Opposition MPs who were not allowed to raise the issue of Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics. The issue began when Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge sought to raise the issue, but Chairman Dhankhar did not allow it. The uproar continued, leading to a walkout by Opposition parties. Leader of the House and BJP president J P Nadda condemned the behavior of Opposition members towards the Chair and accused the Congress party of politicizing the issue.
  • In West Bengal, the number of households that completed 100 days of wage employment was "zero" in 2023-24, according to the written reply given by Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan in the Upper House of Parliament.
  • Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi requested Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to lift media restrictions in Parliament. He expressed concern over reporters being confined to a designated area. Birla advised Gandhi to address the issue privately, not in the House. Opposition leaders including Derek O'Brien and Karti Chidambaram stood in solidarity with journalists, labeling the restrictions as censorship. Birla later assured journalists that their concerns would be resolved.
  • Derek O'Brien, a TMC MP, emphasized the government's responsibility to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament during the upcoming Budget session. He reiterated the opposition's demand for appointing one of its members as the Lok Sabha deputy speaker to avoid "bulldozing of bills". O'Brien highlighted the INDIA bloc's push for appointing a deputy speaker from their coalition, aiming to ensure fair debate on national issues like the NEET-UG paper leak and unemployment.
  • Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien criticized the outgoing Lok Sabha for its "dubious firsts," accusing Prime Minister Modi of turning Parliament into a "deep, dark chamber." O'Brien noted the absence of a deputy speaker, the Prime Minister's failure to answer questions, and a record-low number of sittings. He also highlighted opposition MPs' suspensions, security breaches, and deletion of questions.
  • The Trinamool Congress filed a complaint with the Election Commission against BJP candidate Abhijit Gangopadhyay for allegedly making sexist remarks about Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. TMC demanded legal action and a ban on him attending public events. Gangopadhyay's comments were condemned as misogynistic and disrespectful towards women in power.
  • Derek O'Brien slams Modi's Sandeshkhali claims, brands him 'Lyin King'. Exposes BJP conspiracy. Criticizes PM Gramin Sadak Yojana-III. Highlights Durga Puja celebration in West Bengal. Mentions Jal Jeevan Mission issues.
  • Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said it is essential for the Election Commission of India (ECI) to be timely and transparent about all election-related data, and it should come out with the figures and make them public. "For the first time, even 11 days after the first phase of the polls and four days after the second phase, the final voter turnout has not been published by the ECI. In the past, ECI used to publish the final voter turnout immediately after voting or within 24 hours. Only approximate polling figures are available on ECI's website. What accounts for this delay," he asked in a post on X.
  • A 10-member TMC delegation met the full bench of the EC on Monday and demanded that the heads of the Enforcement Directorate, Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency and Income Tax department be changed as they were allegedly acting at the behest of the ruling BJP.
  • O'Brien accuses PM Modi of dictatorship, BJP of manipulating elections. TMC confident in West Bengal success against BJP. Opposition seeks level playing field in polls, questions EVMs.
  • Senior TMC leader Derek O'Brien on Tuesday said the party wants Supreme Court-monitored Lok Sabha polls as the BJP's "tricks are destroying" institutions like the Election Commission. In a strong rebuttal, the saffron party accused the Trinamool Congress of disrespecting the poll panel.
  • In a letter addressed to the chief election commissioner on Monday, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien said a message by the PM highlighting his government's programmes reached the electorate on March 16, after the model code of conduct came into force.
  • Earlier, the Election Commission of India (ECI) directed the removal of West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar and mandated the appointment of Vivek Sahay, once suspended by the poll panel, as the new state police chief, with the TMC accusing the BJP of controlling the constitutional body.
  • Senior TMC leader and party's Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien also claimed that 51 cases of crimes are being registered against women in the country every hour and asked the PM what he has done to improve the situation.
  • The Congress and the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which are part of the opposition bloc INDIA, are said to have revived their talks to unitedly take on the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha polls, due in April-May.
  • Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling his upcoming reply to the President's address to Parliament another "Mann Ki Baat" session. O'Brien questioned why the prime minister has not answered any questions in Parliament and why opposition MPs are being denied basic rights. He also raised concerns about the absence of a deputy speaker in the Lok Sabha.
  • West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee challenges Congress to take on BJP in Hindi heartland states; doubts Congress will secure even 40 seats in upcoming Lok Sabha elections; criticizes Congress's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra as a mere photo opportunity; proposes Congress contest 300 seats but they refuse; willing to form alliance with Congress in West Bengal but Congress declines offer; challenges Congress to defeat BJP in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh; derides Congress's yatra as a mere spectacle for photo opportunities; Congress did not inform Banerjee about the yatra.
  • West Bengal Congress state president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury faced criticism for referring to Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Derek O'Brien as a "foreigner" during a press conference in Siliguri. This comes after TMC leader Mamata Banerjee announced that her party would contest the Lok Sabha polls independently in the state.
  • Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury apologises to Trinamool Congress' Derek O'Brien for calling him a "foreigner". Chowdhury calls O'Brien to apologise and posts on X about his regrets. TMC leader accepts the apology. Chowdhury's comment drew flak on social media. O'Brien alleges that Chowdhury is working at the behest of the BJP.
  • Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien has blamed West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for the failure of an alliance between the two parties in the state. This comes after West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee announced that her party will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls alone in the state.
  • On December 13, the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, two people jumped into the chamber of the Lower House of Parliament from the public gallery during the Zero Hour, released yellow gas from canisters they had been hiding in their shoes, and shouted slogans before they were overpowered by MPs.
  • The Trinamool Congress (TMC) criticized the BJP-led government for suspending its MP Derek O'Brien over Parliament's security breach, demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. TMC accused the government of failing to safeguard Parliament while targeting opposition MPs.
  • The Rajya Sabha session faced disruptions today as opposition members protested against the suspension of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Derek O'Brien. Despite repeated adjournments, the House reconvened and a resolution was passed to refer the matter to the committee of privileges. O'Brien's refusal to leave the House was considered a serious violation.
  • Opposition MPs criticized the suspension of Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien from the Rajya Sabha and questioned the lack of action against the BJP MP who authorized the entry of the individuals responsible for the security breach in Parliament. O'Brien was suspended for the remainder of the Winter session for "unruly behavior" and "misconduct."
  • Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar suspended TMC MP Derek O'Brien from the house for 'disorderly conduct' during the uproar by opposition MPs demanding a discussion on the Parliament security breach. The proceedings were adjourned after opposition MPs entered the Well of the House, seeking a discussion on the December 13 security breach.
  • It is learnt that at the meeting, TMC leaders said that seat sharing for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls should be concluded soon to give candidates enough time to prepare for the elections. This came a day after BJP emerged victorious in three Hindi heartland states - Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh - while Congress won Telangana.
  • West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim has claimed that the bribery allegations against TMC MP Mahua Moitra are an attempt to discredit her due to her strong opposition to the BJP government. Hakim believes that the allegations are an effort to silence Moitra and prevent her from questioning the government.
  • Speaking during a discussion on 'Parliamentary Journey of 75 years Starting from Samvidhan Sabha - Achievements, Experiences, Memories And Learnings', O'Brien also had heated exchanges with Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar over time allocation for his party.
  • Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankar on Tuesday suspended TMC MP Derek O'Brien for the remainder of the current Parliament session "for unruly behaviour unbecoming of a Member of Rajya Sabha." Leader of the House Piyush Goyal moved the motion for his suspension.
  • The Lok Sabha is set to witness a fierce debate on the no-confidence motion against the BJP-led government on Tuesday. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, whose membership was restored in the wake of the Supreme Court staying his conviction in a defamation case, is likely to be the lead speaker of the INDIA opposition bloc.
  • The Chairman of Rajya Sabha adjourned the House on Friday after receiving 47 notices under Rule 267 for suspension of listed business to discuss the Manipur situation. The Chairman had given a ruling on 20th July that a short duration discussion under Rule 176 be held and the government expressed its willingness to do so.
  • Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar abruptly adjourned proceedings for the day after a spat with Derek O'Brien, a TMC leader. Dhankhar adjourned proceedings after he was interrupted by O'Brien over the issue of non-admission of notices given by opposition members under rule 267 to discuss the Manipur situation. 47 MPs from parties ranging from Congress to Left, to TMC and DMK had given notices under the rule. The House will now meet again on Monday, July 31.
  • TMC MP Derek O'Brien has requested the Rajya Sabha Chairman to put his entire speech on record after parts of it were expunged by the Presiding Officer. O'Brien said that he had rightfully questioned the government on the law and order situation in Manipur and that his questions were within the true essence of democracy and not "Unparliamentary".
  • The 10 seats in the Upper House of Parliament are falling vacant in July and August with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members Vinay D Tendulkar from Goa and Jaishankar, Jugalsinh Lokhandwala and Dineshchandra Anavadiya from Gujarat being among those completing their tenures.
  • The Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will not attend the inauguration of the new Parliament building on May 28, a party spokesperson said on Wednesday. The decision has been taken in sync with the other opposition parties, the spokesperson told PTI.
  • Announcing the party's decision, TMC's leader in Rajya Sabha Derek O'Brien wrote on Twitter, "Parliament is not just a new building; it is an establishment with old traditions, values, precedents and rules -- it is the foundation of Indian democracy. Prime Minister Modi doesn't get that. For him, Sunday's inauguration of the new building is all about I, ME, MYSELF. So count us out."
  • Gokhale took a flight at 9 pm from New Delhi to Jaipur on Monday. When he landed, the Gujarat Police was at the airport in Rajasthan waiting for him and picked him up. At 2 am on Tuesday, Gokhale called his mother and told her that the police were taking him to Ahmedabad and he would reach that city by noon, O'Brien claimed.
  • The total cost of the project is pegged at Rs 1.08 lakh crore. The 508.17-kilometre long network will pass through Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar in Maharashtra; and Valsad, Navsari, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Kheda, and Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
  • The Zero Hour and Question Hour were not held as Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu adjourned the House when opposition parties began protesting against the suspension of 12 members and pressing for the sacking of junior minister Ajay Mishra Teni.
  • The TMC MP was suspended after the House passed a motion moved by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan in this regard.
  • A series of tweets from Joshi on Monday night drew a sharp reaction from O'Brien who had earlier posted a tweet hitting out at the government over the ordinances to extend the tenure of the ED and CBI chiefs. He also posted a graphic that showed that in the 17th Lok Sabha, almost four ordinances were brought in for every 10 bills and how it had been misused since 2014.
  • The Trinamool Congress (TMC) had raised objection to the ordinances route for the extension of the tenures questioning the government's hurry at a time when the winter session of Parliament was barely two weeks away. On Monday, the party moved two separate statutory resolutions for the two laws the government has amended through the ordinances to extend the tenure of ED and CBI chiefs.
  • Calling his conversation with Mamata Banerjee ‘musical’, Babul Supriyo said, “I am very happy with the affection and warmth, she welcomed me to the Trinamool family. She urged me to work hard and also sing during Durga Pujas. We had a very musical talk. I am waiting for my role in the party which will be decided by Mamata Banerjee. "
  • "Passing laws or making paapri chaat," O'Brien had said on Monday taking a swipe at the government and noting that 12 bills were passed at an average time of under seven minutes in Parliament.
  • "Today we have completed four phases of the eight phase polls. 'Khela hobe', the match is on in Bengal. This is half-time and we are quiet confident that we got this one covered. We are winning Bengal as the two turncoat ministers who have joined the BJP, one fighting from Nandigram and the other from Domjur are both losing," O'Brien said.
  • Addressing the media, the TMC leader said "Mo-Shah" (Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah) are aware of the 'grim' situation of the party in the state after the first two phases of polling, and that is why they are playing 'mind games'.
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