Derek O Brien
Derek O'Brien, MP, leads the Trinamool Congress in the Rajya Sabha
-
Opinion | Why States, Not Centre, Should Get All The Credit For GST 'Savings'
Amidst all the hoopla, it is the State governments that truly deserve recognition for coming together for the GST revision. Because the States are the ones bearing the brunt of massive revenue losses.
-
Opinion | Indians Are Loving Their Music Concerts ... But Not Their Venues
Facilities the world over are renovating themselves to host sporting and live entertainment events. The country that built cricket stadiums to dazzle the world, needs world-class music venues.
-
Opinion | Waqf Act: When BJP Indulged In A Mockery Of Procedure
The passing of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in Parliament was marked by chicanery and evasive tactics. Even a casual observer of Parliament can outline how the BJP-led coalition is making a mockery of parliamentary procedure.
-
Opinion | Observations From A Student of Political Communication - By Derek O'Brien
For a student of political communication, this week has been fodder. The language used to describe GST reforms has been nothing short of grand. "Landmark". "Biggest ever since the 1990s". The Opposition has been advocating for such 'reforms' for eigh
-
Opinion | Plato In Indian Parliament: Which Are The Empty Vessels Making The Most Noise?
If Parliamentary questions are to be studied, hundreds of centuries later, the old Greek philosopher would have proven himself right again.
-
Opinion | Why Joint Parliamentary Committees Are An Exercise In Futility
The Trinamool Congress and the Samajwadi Party decided not to nominate any of its members to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) being proposed to examine the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, calling the committee a farce.
-
Opinion | The Vice Presidents of India I Know
It was my first day in Parliament. After being sworn in, Mr Ansari called some of us rookies for an informal chat over coffee. The conversation flowed. Noticing that it had been over 15 minutes, he asked us to come home soon to continue our chat.
-
Opinion | We Are Indian. Can We Please Say That In Any Language We Like?
Some people still see English as a marker of privilege. Some see it as a barrier. But when you try to shame people for speaking it, you disregard the aspirations of millions who see English as their best chance to create opportunities.
-
Opinion | For Amit Shah, A Note On What Ambedkar, Gandhi, Azad Said About 'English'
India doesn't need less English. It needs more multilingualism, more access, and more confidence in its ability to speak in many tongues without shame or fear.
-
Opinion | BJP Manifesto: Promise Versus Reality
9 June marks exactly one year since Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers were sworn in. Before the elections, the BJP published a 69-page manifesto. Here are 15 promises from the BJP Manifesto 2024.
-
Blog | 30 Terrifying Minutes On A Delhi-Srinagar Flight That Changed My Life - By Derek O'Brien
We see lightning, clearly visible as it stabs through daylight. Now there is some turbulence, but it progresses rapidly. I realise this is not your regular turbulence. This is severe, the likes I've never experienced on my frequent flyer miles before
-
What Is Your 'War Quotient'? A Quiz By Derek O'Brien
Here's a quiz by Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien on wars, history and more!
-
Opinion | Am I Indian Enough? - By Derek O'Brien
Who gets to decide how much is enough? Enough to practice our faith without suspicion? Enough to exist without having to prove our belonging every single day?
-
Opinion | Parliament Session: Don't Let The All-Nighters Deceive You
To borrow a sentence first used by columnist Vir Sanghvi, "Parliament is being turned into a deep, dark chamber".
-
Opinion | PM Modi Podcast: An Alternate View
The Prime Minister's podcast to a friendly interviewer was a master class in how to attempt to set a narrative.
