A political controversy erupted on Wednesday after Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Derek O’Brien alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar told his party’s delegation to “get lost” during a brief interaction at the Election Commission office.
The allegation has intensified the ongoing political debate over electoral impartiality, with the TMC raising serious concerns about the conduct of officials ahead of elections.
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The meeting was scheduled for 10 am following a formal request by the party. A TMC delegation comprising O’Brien, Sagarika Ghose, Meneka Guruswamy and Saket Gokhale arrived at the Election Commission office on time. They were received by CEC Gyanesh Kumar, along with other Election Commissioners and senior officials.
According to sources, the meeting began on a tense note after the CEC pointed out the absence of an authorised signatory from the TMC delegation. O’Brien reportedly objected to the observation, questioning whether the delegation was being treated as “unauthorised” and clarifying that the party’s designated representative was engaged in election campaigning.
During the interaction, the delegation presented multiple concerns, including letters from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. They also submitted a photograph allegedly showing West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Ashok Agarwal in the company of a BJP leader, raising questions about neutrality.
The TMC further demanded action against officials it perceives to be aligned with the BJP and called for the transfer of certain officers to ensure free and fair elections. After presenting their case and submitting supporting material, O’Brien reportedly concluded the discussion by saying, “I am done.”
The Election Commission has not yet issued an official statement on the allegations, even as the incident continues to fuel political tensions.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
