Derek O’Brien

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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From UAPA to the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, here are some laws that must be repealed to ensure justice and liberty for all citizens.

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

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.

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

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

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

Derek O’Brien writes: How direct benefit transfer empowers womenSubscriber Only

September 13,2024 07:15:39 AM

By placing cash directly in the hands of women, it offers financial autonomy, improving their position in the family

Derek O’Brien writes: Between 2012 Delhi rape and R G Kar, little has changedSubscriber Only

August 30,2024 08:05:53 AM

Speeches in Parliament are not enough. This August we failed a young doctor in Kolkata. We failed a tribal woman in Raigarh. We failed a 15-year-old in Jodhpur, a 7-year-old in Delhi, two 4-year-olds in Badlapur

Derek O’Brien writes: In Parliament, Opposition is feeling a new ‘josh’Subscriber Only

August 16,2024 08:00:55 AM

Opposition is on the front foot, representing the pulse, energy and diversity of India, backed by citizens who are tired of BJP/NDA rule

Derek O’Brien writes: What I saw in a cancer centreSubscriber Only

August 02,2024 07:45:23 AM

Accompanying a friend who had been diagnosed with the Big C, I saw how patients juggle hope and resilience

Derek O’Brien writes: This, Session, let the Opposition speakSubscriber Only

July 19,2024 08:10:39 AM

Fairer distribution of time between the government and the Opposition needs to be addressed, to uphold the principles of accountability and representative democracy.

Derek O’Brien writes: The Opposition’s new hero is Awadhesh PrasadSubscriber Only

July 04,2024 17:08:33 PM

Before the election results, most would have asked — Awadhesh who? But the SP’s first-time MP from Faizabad will be INDIA bloc candidate for Deputy Speaker

New Parliament should get rid of bad lawsSubscriber Only

June 21,2024 08:19:42 AM

This is an opportunity to do away with laws that put the rights of citizens at risk.

How digital platforms overtook traditional media to reach the voters this electionSubscriber Only

June 07,2024 07:30:04 AM

It revolutionised election communication, with virtual engagement taking the place of large public meetings that are not always feasible in the summer heat.

Derek O’Brien writes: A fictional BJP manifesto for the year 2034Subscriber Only

May 24,2024 07:15:35 AM

In the heat, dust and rhetoric of elections, let us remind each other not to take ourselves so seriously

Why voters no longer believe ‘Modi ki guarantee’Subscriber Only

May 10,2024 08:09:26 AM

As is well known in marketing, you can get someone to buy something once, or even twice, but eventually the consumer will see through you.