Protesting TMC leaders detained outside Election Commission office; party demands replacement of CBI, NIA, ED, and Income Tax Department chiefs

NEW DELHI: Several Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders on Monday decided to stage a 24-hour dharna outside the Election Commission's office in Delhi, urging the immediate replacement of the heads of CBI, NIA, ED, and Income Tax Department. The police promptly detained the protesting leaders.

The 10-member delegation, comprising Derek O'Brien, Dola Sen, Saket Gokhale, and Sagarika Ghose, had presented their demands to the full bench of the Election Commission.


Alleging that the central probe agencies are unfairly targeting opposition parties under the BJP-led Centre's influence, Sen told reporters: "The BJP is using central agencies against us. The actions of NIA, ED, and CBI against TMC leaders are disgraceful. We urge the EC to ensure a fair playing field for all parties."

The TMC has claimed that there is an "unholy alliance" between NIA and BJP, prompting NIA to deny any ill motive, terming the situation "unfortunate."
(With inputs from agencies)