Derek O Brien – Author, NDTV.com

Opinion: Why JPCs Are An Exercise In Futility

Derek O'Brien | Monday March 06, 2023

A Supreme Court-monitored investigation is what the CPI(M), CPI and TMC have been demanding on the floor of parliament. It is not the 10/10 solution, but it will be far more effective than a JPC.

Opinion: Who Will Govern The Governors?

Derek O'Brien | Wednesday January 18, 2023

To ensure the independent functioning of Governors, there is a need to revise Article 157 of the Constitution and pinpoint more specific criteria and qualifications for the appointment of Governors.

Opinion: News Channels, Chasing TRPs, Ignore The Necessary

Derek O'Brien | Tuesday January 03, 2023

In the new year, Television Rating Points (TRPs) should be renamed by media networks. To reflect the content being churned out every evening, the abbreviation could just as easily stand for Third Rate Programming (TRP)!

Opinion: Of Messi, Mbappe, World Cup Final And The Politics Of Football

Derek O'Brien | Friday December 16, 2022

Sunday, 18 December, 8.30 pm IST. Messi versus Mbappe. After 63 matches that began on November 20, the world and India are waiting.

Opinion: Parliament Now The Interval Between Elections And Modi's PR

Derek O'Brien | Monday November 21, 2022

Nowadays, sadly, a parliament session is the interval between elections and Modi's Public Relations exercises.

Opinion: What Next? Now BJP Slogans In Parliament Panel Meetings

Derek O'Brien | Monday November 07, 2022

Parliament is not just new buildings; it is also old traditions.

Opinion: Messrs Modi, Shah Preside Over The World's Largest Diarchy

Derek O'Brien | Tuesday October 11, 2022

It's amusing to see how Modi-Shah's BJP is so obsessed with the question of leadership and power centers in political parties opposed to them.

Opinion: Supreme Court's Live Stream - Sunlight As Disinfectant

Derek O'Brien | Friday September 30, 2022

They say sunlight is the best disinfectant. With the livestreaming of constitutional cases (Challenge to Economically Weaker Section Quota, Shiv Sena Defection case & Challenge to All India Bar exam) in Supreme Court, this will culminate into reality

Opinion: Food Insecurity - The Story That Won't Make Prime Time News

Derek O'Brien | Saturday September 24, 2022

As per reports in a few regional language newspapers (yes, they still have The Spine), the Union is proposing an increase in the prices of rice, wheat and cereals sold through the National Food Security Act by Rs.7 per kg for Priority Households.

Opinion: The 'Financial Wizards' Of Social Media

Derek O'Brien | Monday September 12, 2022

The government should be proactive in at least releasing preliminary Do's and Don'ts for promoting financial products online in consultation with SEBI to protect naive investors.

Opinion: 'Triple Murder' Of Democracy In Rajya Sabha - Derek O'Brien

Derek O'Brien | Sunday September 27, 2020

I know life may be hectic. Zoom classes off campus. Rushing to office. IPL evenings or whatever else. That's why some of you may not have tracked in detail what happened in parliament over the last 10 days. Yet another deadly blow by the BJP to our democracy. Let me tell you what happened in parliament on Sunday, September 20. Only the facts. And the rules.

Opinion: Modi <I>Sarkar's</I> New Record In Delaying A Big Parliament Decision

Opinion: Modi Sarkar's New Record In Delaying A Big Parliament Decision

Derek O'Brien | Wednesday September 09, 2020

Scrapping of the Question Hour in parliament for the upcoming monsoon session is not the onlyparliamentary convention that the BJP-led government at the centre is subverting. They have set yet another dubious record.

Opinion: BJP Attempts To Turn Parliament Into M&S Private Limited

Derek O'Brien | Sunday August 30, 2020

As parliament is set to meet after a 6-month COVID-induced break, the session is likely to have many firsts. We have seen media reports citing government sources that say there will be large display screens, audio consoles, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, and working weekends.

Opinion: Remembering Mother Teresa On Her 110th Birthday

Derek O'Brien | Tuesday August 25, 2020

I'm not much of a believer but I did feel touched by Mother's presence. I continued to call on her and attributed at least some of my professional luck thereafter to her warm wishes.

Opinion: Bengal Will Be Run By People Of Bengal, Not Outsiders

Derek O'Brien | Sunday July 26, 2020

July 21 is an emotional anniversary in the history of the Trinamool Congress. On this day in 1993, Mamata Banerjee, then the President of the Youth Congress in Bengal, led a protest march in the heart of Kolkata. The protestors were brutalised by the police. Innocent, idealistic young activists were shot dead and Mamata Banerjee herself was beaten up.

OPINION