Trinamool Congress MP in Rajya Sabha Derek O'Brien alleged that a meeting with the Election Commission of India ended abruptly, with the Chief Election Commissioner asking leaders to 'get lost' within minutes.
According to O'Brien, the delegation met the Chief Election Commissioner to raise concerns over the transfer of officials ahead of upcoming elections and its potential impact on ensuring free and fair polls. He said that the meeting began at 10:02 AM and concluded by 10:07 AM, lasting barely five minutes.
O'Brien described the interaction as 'a shame,' claiming that when concerns were presented, they were dismissed outright. He further challenged the Commission to release video or audio recordings of the meeting to establish transparency and verify what transpired.
The TMC leader also pointed out that the current Chief Election Commissioner is facing notices in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha regarding removal, adding another layer of political tension to the episode.
In response to the incident, the TMC MP indicated that several opposition parties have reportedly come together to hold a joint press conference later in the day, signaling a broader confrontation with the poll body over its functioning and neutrality.