Kolkata, March 9: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar faced protests during his visit to Kolkata as part of a full bench of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to review preparations for the upcoming assembly elections. Activists from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) raised slogans against the Election Commissioner.
The ECI’s full bench is on a two-day visit to assess the electoral process and review judicial proceedings related to “logical discrepancies” in the Voter List. On Monday morning, before official meetings, Gyanesh Kumar visited the Kalighat temple to offer prayers, expressing hopes for the prosperity of the people of West Bengal and reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and fear-free elections in the state.
However, outside the temple, he encountered protests where a group displayed black flags and shouted “Go Back” in opposition to the removal of names from the voter list. Protesters chanted slogans urging Gyanesh Kumar to leave.
After his prayers at the Kalighat temple, Gyanesh Kumar addressed the crowd, saying, “Greetings to all brothers and sisters of West Bengal. May Goddess Kali keep everyone safe and healthy. Jai Bharat, Jai Hind.” He reiterated the Commission’s resolve to ensure free, fair, and festive elections in the state.
It is noteworthy that meetings between the Election Commission and representatives of various political parties are scheduled from 10 AM to 12 PM. At approximately 12:30 PM, Chief Executive Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal will present the status of judicial decisions and election preparations. Following this, from 1:15 PM to 1:30 PM, the Commission’s bench will meet with representatives from various security and investigative agencies from both the state and central governments.