Derek O’Brien backs Mamata Banerjee’s dharna, criticises BJP over LPG hike and voter list issues

Senior Derek O’Brien of the All India Trinamool Congress on Saturday voiced strong support for party chief Mamata Banerjee as her protest entered its second day, sharply criticising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over rising LPG prices and the alleged removal of women’s names from voter lists.

In a post on his WhatsApp channel, O’Brien described Banerjee’s dharna as “straight talk” and indicated that the protest would continue indefinitely. “Straight talk from Mamata Banerjee on Day 2 of her dharna. Timeline: indefinite,” he wrote, signalling the party’s resolve to continue the agitation.

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O’Brien also criticised the BJP-led government over an increase in cooking gas prices announced around International Women’s Day. “International Women’s Day gift from BJP: hike price of LPG,” he said.

Raising concerns over electoral rolls, the Trinamool Congress leader alleged that women’s names had been removed from voter lists. “Women struck off voter lists,” he wrote, echoing the party’s ongoing allegations.

Highlighting the ideological message behind Banerjee’s protest, O’Brien said the party believes in secularism and social harmony. “Yes, you can practice any religion — we believe in the RELIGION OF HUMANITY,” he stated.

Referring to the continuation of the agitation, the Rajya Sabha MP added: “Day Two and counting.”

The dharna, launched by Banerjee as part of the Trinamool Congress’s campaign against the BJP, focuses on governance issues, price rise, and alleged electoral irregularities. The protest comes amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal ahead of upcoming elections.

While the Trinamool Congress has accused the BJP of undermining democratic processes and failing to curb inflation, the BJP has rejected the allegations as politically motivated. Banerjee’s dharna, now in its second day, is expected to remain a key development in the state’s political landscape in the run-up to the polls.