ElectionCommission – Chief Election Commissioner Visits Kalighat Temple Amid Protests in Kolkata
ElectionCommission – Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar visited the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata on Monday and offered prayers during his ongoing tour of West Bengal. His visit, however, coincided with demonstrations outside the temple premises, where several protesters gathered and waved black flags as he arrived.
Visit to Kalighat Temple Draws Demonstrators
Gyanesh Kumar reached the temple along with West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agrawal. As their convoy arrived, a group of demonstrators assembled near the entrance, raising slogans and displaying black flags. Security personnel stationed at the site managed the crowd and ensured that the situation remained under control.
Despite the protest, the Chief Election Commissioner proceeded with the temple visit and offered prayers. After completing the ritual, he briefly spoke to reporters and conveyed his greetings to the people of the state.
“My greetings to all the brothers and sisters of West Bengal. May Goddess Kali bless everyone. Jai Bharat, Jai Hind,” Kumar said.
Election Officials Emphasise Peaceful Poll Process
Officials accompanying the delegation also addressed the media. Subrata Gupta, the Special Roll Observer for West Bengal, said the visit to the temple included prayers for peaceful elections in the state.
“We prayed that the elections are conducted smoothly and peacefully,” Gupta said.
When asked about the protests and black flags shown during the visit, he acknowledged that demonstrations are part of a democratic system.
“In a democracy, everyone has the right to protest,” he stated.
Gupta further explained that the Election Commission delegation has scheduled several meetings over the next two days with different stakeholders. These discussions will involve senior government officials, representatives from political parties, and members of the media.
According to him, the purpose of these meetings is to review arrangements and assess the preparations required to conduct the elections smoothly.
“There will be meetings today and tomorrow with officials, political parties, and others. Decisions regarding the election arrangements will be discussed, and all efforts will be made to ensure the polls are conducted peacefully,” he added.
Demonstrations Began a Day Before the Temple Visit
Protests linked to the Chief Election Commissioner’s arrival in Kolkata had already begun on Sunday. Local residents gathered outside a private hotel in the New Town area shortly after Kumar and other Election Commission officials reached the city.
Some demonstrators carried posters that read “Go back, Gyanesh Kumar, murderer of democracy.” The protest occurred soon after Kumar arrived at Kolkata airport with Election Commissioners S S Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, along with Senior Deputy Election Commissioners Maneesh Garg and Pawan Kumar.
Another group of protesters also showed black flags to the convoy of election officials near the airport.
Three-Day Visit to Review Election Preparedness
The Chief Election Commissioner is on a three-day visit to West Bengal from March 8 to March 10 to evaluate the readiness of the state machinery ahead of the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for 2026.
During the visit, the Election Commission team is expected to hold discussions with administrative authorities, police officials, and representatives from various political parties. These consultations aim to assess logistical arrangements, security planning, and other measures required for conducting free and fair elections.
The commission will also review voter roll preparations and overall coordination among election officials in the state.
Previous Review in Kerala Highlights Election Readiness
Before arriving in West Bengal, Gyanesh Kumar had visited Kerala to assess the preparations for upcoming elections there. After reviewing the arrangements in the state, he expressed confidence in the election management systems and cooperation from political parties.
He noted that Kerala had been an important part of his earlier career and said the state’s election preparations appeared strong.
According to Kumar, officials and political parties in Kerala assured the Election Commission that the upcoming polls could set a positive example of democratic practices not only for India but globally.
Political Climate Intensifies Ahead of Bengal Assembly Polls
West Bengal is preparing for assembly elections expected in the first half of 2026, and political activity in the state has already begun to intensify. The ruling Trinamool Congress is likely to face a strong challenge from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which has been trying to expand its presence in the state.
As the election season approaches, the Election Commission’s review visits are aimed at ensuring that the voting process remains orderly, transparent, and peaceful.