Gyanesh Kumar faced protests and “go back” slogans on Monday morning when he visited the famous Kalighat Temple in south Kolkata. Demonstrators showed black flags as the Chief Election Commissioner arrived at the temple, creating a tense situation in the area before police stepped in to control the crowd.
Security personnel deployed at the site quickly intervened and restored order, allowing the CEC to complete his visit without further disruption. The protests are believed to be linked to political tensions surrounding election preparations in the state.
Similar demonstrations were reported late Sunday night when Kumar arrived in the city. As his convoy was leaving the airport, supporters of the All India Trinamool Congress raised “go back” slogans against him. Protesters also displayed black flags when the convoy passed through the Kaikhali area along the busy VIP Road.
Activists from Left parties also staged demonstrations outside the airport, further escalating the political atmosphere. Police said the situation remained under control and no major law-and-order issues were reported during the protests.
Authorities have deployed strong security arrangements for Kumar’s three-day visit to the state as preparations begin for the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal. Officials confirmed that the Election Commission team will conduct a series of meetings with political parties, enforcement agencies and senior administrative officials to review election readiness.
Kumar is visiting the state along with Election Commissioners S. S. Sandhu and Vivek Joshi to assess preparations for the crucial polls.
During the visit, the full bench of the Election Commission of India will meet recognised national and state political parties to listen to their concerns and suggestions regarding the conduct of elections.
Officials said the Election Commission will also interact with nodal officers from various enforcement agencies and hold a detailed review meeting with senior police and administrative officials. These discussions are expected to focus on law-and-order preparedness, security deployment and coordination among agencies ahead of the elections.
On the final day of the visit, the Commission will hold meetings with the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, and officers responsible for coordinating with the Central Armed Police Forces.
The Election Commission team will also interact with booth-level officers and review ground-level preparations before addressing a press conference and concluding their visit to Kolkata.
