Members of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) staged a walkout in
the Rajya Sabha on Monday, protesting the Election Commission of
India’s (ECI) alleged misuse of power following the late-night removal
of senior West Bengal officials.
During the session, Trinamool MPs condemned the removal of the state’s
Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, and Home Secretary by the poll
body, labeling the action arbitrary and undemocratic. The protest
intensified as party members voiced strong criticism of the Chief
Election Commissioner’s conduct.
“In the dead of night, the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, and
Home Secretary of Bengal were removed by the Election Commission,” a
Trinamool member declared. “The EC has full authority, but they can
misuse it. I am wearing a white shirt; yet they claim it’s blue!”
The party stated that the walkout was a demonstration against the
Election Commission’s current action. “To protest the Chief Election
Commissioner’s actions, we, the All India Trinamool Congress, are
walking out for the day,” said Rajya Sabha member Derek O’Brien.
This demonstration occurs amid heightened political sensitivity, with
motions for the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner initiated
in both Houses of Parliament. Though rare and constitutionally
complex, these motions have escalated tensions between the ruling
government and opposition factions over the Election Commission’s
role.
The Election Commission, constitutionally mandated to ensure free and
fair elections, has the authority to transfer or remove officials to
maintain electoral neutrality. However, such decisions frequently
trigger political controversy, especially during election seasons when
administrative changes attract intense scrutiny.
The Trinamool walkout briefly disrupted Upper House proceedings,
underscoring mounting friction between the opposition and the Election
Commission over electoral oversight and administrative moves in West
Bengal.