Trinamool’s Derek O’Brien vows to continue protest at police station, saying “We’re Here To Fight, Will Carry On

Derek O’Brien, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and MP, announced that the protest staged by TMC leaders outside the Election Commission resulted in their detention. The TMC delegation had previously met with the Election Commission to demand the replacement of key officials in various central probe agencies. The party has accused these agencies of targeting opposition parties at the behest of the ruling BJP.

Following their detention, Derek O’Brien stated that they intended to continue their protest at the Mandir Marg police station. He indicated that they would persist with their 24-hour dharna, either inside or outside the police station. Despite their original plan to protest outside the Election Commission, the detainment resulted in their relocation to the police station.

The police officer mentioned that the TMC leaders were detained due to the imposition of section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which prohibits large gatherings in the area around the Election Commission office, and the absence of permission for the protest. According to Derek O’Brien, they were driven around the city for about an hour and a half before being brought to the police station. In a letter to the Election Commission, the TMC alleged that a BJP leader met with an NIA Superintendent of Police and handed over a list of TMC leaders and workers to be targeted, indicating an alliance to suppress TMC’s election activities.

Despite these challenges, Derek O’Brien emphasized that the party would continue its peaceful dharna and fight against these actions, stating that they would seek an appointment with the West Bengal governor. It is important to note that this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.