Derek O’Brien
The writer is Trinamool's Parliamentary party leader, Rajya Sabha
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Dear Union government, let Parliament functionSign In to read
August 29,2025 06:52:13 AM
Rushing bills and rejecting discussions on issues of national importance have become the norm.
Fri, Aug 29, 2025
Derek O’Brien writes: 79 suggestions for the Union government on 79th I-DaySubscriber Only
August 15,2025 06:49:45 AM
These cut across health, education and law among other spheres. For one, withdraw the SIR exercise in Bihar
Fri, Aug 15, 2025
Derek O’Brien writes: 8 suggestions for the Vice President of India — whoever that may beSubscriber Only
August 01,2025 07:27:45 AM
Raising a Point of Order is a legitimate parliamentary tactic. The Chair cannot, and must not, look away
Fri, Aug 01, 2025
Question Hour is one of the few tools still available to hold this government accountableSubscriber Only
July 18,2025 07:11:57 AM
Here are 12 questions asked in the Budget Session of Parliament, 2025. Each answer from the government tells a story
Fri, Jul 18, 2025
Derek O’Brien writes: Two quizmasters, on the factsSubscriber Only
July 04,2025 06:49:19 AM
Facts are important. The need today is also to train people to sift out misinformation and propaganda
Fri, Jul 04, 2025
Derek O’Brien writes: Unseeing the NortheastSubscriber Only
June 20,2025 07:58:22 AM
Coverage of Meghalaya honeymoon case, Modi government’s attitude to Northeast is proof of continuing discrimination
Fri, Jun 20, 2025
Derek O’Brien writes: Cagey in the HouseSubscriber Only
June 06,2025 06:53:15 AM
Centre's skittishness about calling a Special Session is of a piece with its attitude to parliamentary precedents and principles
Fri, Jun 13, 2025
Derek O’Brien writes: A quizmaster’s tribute to the Indian Armed ForcesSubscriber Only
May 23,2025 06:55:15 AM
Name the Operation launched by the Army and the IAF on 13 April 1984 to establish full control over the Siachen Glacier. And other questions.
Fri, May 23, 2025
Derek O’Brien writes: With child labour, law is not the problem — enforcement isSubscriber Only
May 09,2025 07:31:00 AM
Sectors that require urgent attention to address the worst forms of child labour include the production of matches and fireworks, glass, and leather products, as well as work in brick kilns, coal mines, and construction, among others
Fri, May 09, 2025
Derek O’Brien writes: He was my PopeSubscriber Only
April 25,2025 07:10:10 AM
Pope Francis had qualities that made me — made us — want to identify with him
Fri, Apr 25, 2025
Ten questions during Question Hour — and what the government’s responses revealSubscriber Only
April 11,2025 07:10:19 AM
Convictions by the ED, dues under MGNREGS, sickle cell anaemia — areas where MPs sought accountability in Parliament this year
Fri, Apr 11, 2025
Seven issues raised by MPs in ParliamentSubscriber Only
March 28,2025 07:03:39 AM
The subjects may have not made multi-column stories or news tickers but are serious interventions on citizen welfare
Fri, Mar 28, 2025
Derek O’Brien writes: Government is not serious about human-animal conflictSubscriber Only
March 14,2025 07:00:14 AM
It is clear we need public-private partnerships to strengthen conservation, but they must be accountable
Fri, Mar 14, 2025
How I went from cricket fanatic to cricket apatheticSubscriber Only
February 28,2025 07:50:04 AM
There's much to remember, and revel in nostalgia, about the sport from the past
Fri, Feb 28, 2025
Derek O’Brien writes: How to be a visible politicianSubscriber Only
February 14,2025 07:04:50 AM
Those who can harness the power of different kinds of media platforms will win the perception battle
Fri, Feb 14, 2025
Derek O’Brien writes: Notes from my Parliament DiarySubscriber Only
February 03,2025 06:55:49 AM
What to expect, and what not to, in the Budget Session.
Mon, Feb 03, 2025
Derek O’Brien writes: How laws are passed under NDA – in silence, without consultationSubscriber Only
January 17,2025 06:58:55 AM
The ability to sidestep consultations without clearly defined criteria opens the door for arbitrary decisions, potentially resulting in laws that do not adequately reflect public. In essence, this undermines the fundamental aim of the Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy
Fri, Jan 17, 2025
Derek O’Brien writes: Will the church please speak up?Subscriber Only
January 03,2025 07:27:04 AM
Church leadership needs to listen to the people and heed their concerns and insecurities
Sat, Jan 04, 2025
Derek O’ Brien writes: Guess who spoke the most in Parliament?Subscriber Only
December 20,2024 08:05:20 AM
Standout themes, fresh faces, drawn out odes, and a heartening birthday dinner - the House this winter witnessed a myriad of festive and memorable moments that won’t soon be forgotten.
Fri, Dec 20, 2024
Derek O’Brien writes: A list of laws that need to be repealedSubscriber Only
December 06,2024 04:15:08 AM
From UAPA to the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, here are some laws that must be repealed to ensure justice and liberty for all citizens.
Fri, Dec 06, 2024
Derek O’Brien writes: Indian cricket commentary on radio needn’t be mediocreSubscriber Only
November 22,2024 04:20:48 AM
Except for four or five commentators, Indian cricket commentary on radio is a droning litany of facts and figures, and nothing else. No colour, no context, no history, no banter. This is a lost opportunity
Fri, Nov 22, 2024
Rediscovering an old love and learning to enjoy the journeySubscriber Only
November 08,2024 04:35:49 AM
Growing up, my favourite indoor ‘sport’ was contract bridge. The recent deaths of four people I knew have made me think a little more about life, living and getting back to doing what I really wanted to do.
Wed, Nov 13, 2024
When Parliament isn’t in session, standing committees are where the action isSubscriber Only
October 25,2024 03:40:55 AM
Unfortunately, these panels have been undermined by governments
Fri, Oct 25, 2024
Happy birthday, Mr Amitabh Bachchan: What you may not know about India’s biggest starSubscriber Only
October 11,2024 00:55:35 AM
On his 82nd birthday, some nuggets about his favourite directors, favourite actors, the Amul ads he inspired, his first ever job and more
Fri, Oct 11, 2024
Derek O’Brien writes: An excess of cessSubscriber Only
September 27,2024 06:21:20 AM
It is being used like never before by the Union government to deprive states of revenue
Fri, Sep 27, 2024a better experience