kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata: Once again, Gyanesh Kumar, the Election Commission of India’s Chief Election Commissioner, found himself at the centre of public protests on Tuesday during his visit to West Bengal, as demonstrators showed black flags and raised “go back” slogans outside Dakshineswar Kali Temple, continuing the unrest that has marked his three‑day election preparedness tour. 

Kumar, who visited Belur Math in the morning to offer prayers and meet religious leaders before heading to Dakshineswar, was greeted by protesters waving black flags and shouting slogans as his convoy approached the temple. Despite the demonstrations, he completed his scheduled engagements.

This is not the first such protest during his current visit. Upon arriving in Kolkata on Sunday night, Kumar was met with similar unrest near the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which has sparked widespread controversy in the state, with opposition voices alleging arbitrary deletions of voter names. 

On Monday, demonstrators also confronted Kumar at Kalighat Temple, where black flags and “go back” slogans echoed as he offered prayers during the early part of his visit. Police personnel managed the situation, ensuring that his programme continued without escalation. 

Throughout the visit, the Chief Election Commissioner has emphasised that the poll body’s priority is to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair election process in West Bengal. Speaking to reporters at Belur Math, he reiterated the Election Commission’s commitment to violence‑free, intimidation‑free elections and said efforts would be made to ensure voters can exercise their franchise in a “festival‑like environment.” 

The protests reflect growing political tensions in the state as the Assembly polls approach, with major parties and groups voicing strong opinions over election administration and the voter revision exercise. Despite the demonstrations, Kumar’s itinerary continues, including meetings with officials, security agencies and political party representatives to assess poll preparedness.

The situation remains fluid, with heightened public scrutiny and political mobilisation against the election process deepening the already intense atmosphere ahead of voting in the state.