'We want LS polls to be under SC supervision': Derek O'Brien

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Derek O'Brien voiced the party's demand for the Lok Sabha elections to be supervised by the Supreme Court, citing concerns over the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) alleged manipulation of institutions like the Election Commission. O'Brien highlighted the BJP's tactics, accusing them of undermining democratic norms and transforming the Election Commission into a tool to target political opponents.

Derek O'Brien said on social media platform 'X', “BJP's dirty tricks are destroying institutions like the Election Commission of India (EIC). Is the BJP so scared of facing the people that it is turning the ECI into a party office to target the opposition?”.

In response to the Election Commission's directive to replace West Bengal's Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Kumar with Vivek Sahay, a previously suspended officer, TMC accused the BJP of exerting undue influence over constitutional bodies. The decision has ignited political tensions between TMC and BJP, with the former advocating for fair elections under judicial oversight while the latter welcomes the Commission's move.

He said, “Transfers of officials of elected state governments! For free and fair elections. We want 2024 elections under the supervision of the Supreme Court.”