kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Tension briefly gripped the historic temple precincts of Kalighat Kali Temple on Monday morning when India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar faced protests while visiting the shrine to offer prayers. Demonstrators gathered near the temple and raised “Go Back” slogans, waving black flags at the senior constitutional authority during his visit. The incident occurred amid a politically charged atmosphere in the city, where the Election Commission’s full bench is currently on an official tour.

Kumar, who arrived in Kolkata on Sunday night along with other members of the Election Commission of India, has already encountered protests since his arrival. As he stepped out of the temple after offering prayers to Goddess Kali, demonstrators continued shouting slogans against him, creating a tense situation around the temple complex. Security personnel and police officers quickly intervened and formed a protective cordon to ensure that the Chief Election Commissioner could leave the area safely.

Despite the intensity of the protests, Kumar chose not to engage with the demonstrators or comment on the political tensions surrounding his visit. When briefly asked about the incident, he maintained a calm and composed demeanor, saying only that he prayed for the well-being of everyone. According to him, “May Maa Kali bless everyone and keep all safe.” His restrained response appeared aimed at diffusing the situation rather than escalating the confrontation.

The protests are widely believed to be linked to the ongoing tensions surrounding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, commonly referred to as SIR, which has triggered sharp political reactions in several parts of the state. The arrival of the Election Commission’s full bench in the city has therefore been closely watched by political parties and activists alike.

Even before Monday’s incident at Kalighat, Kumar had faced demonstrations shortly after landing in the city. At the airport and along key routes including Kaikhali and the VIP Road corridor, groups of protesters displayed black flags and shouted slogans demanding that he go back. Demonstrations were also reported near the hotel in the Rajarhat area where Kumar and the Commission delegation are staying. These protests underscored the charged political climate surrounding the Commission’s visit.

The Election Commission’s packed schedule for Monday remained unchanged. The full bench is set to hold a series of crucial meetings with political leaders and administrative officials throughout the day. Around 10 a.m., the Commission is scheduled to meet representatives of various political parties operating in the state to discuss election-related matters. Leaders from the ruling All India Trinamool Congress are also expected to attend the meeting, including prominent figures such as Firhad Hakim and Chandrima Bhattacharya.

The Election Commission delegation will hold consultations with senior administrative and security officials. Meetings are scheduled with the Chief Electoral Officer of the state, nodal officers of the central forces, as well as top state officials including the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police. In addition, the Commission plans to interact with district magistrates, police superintendents and police commissioners from across the state to review preparations for upcoming electoral processes.

These discussions are expected to focus on voter roll revisions, security arrangements and logistical planning for future elections in the state. The Election Commission aims to ensure that electoral processes remain transparent, fair and secure, especially in a politically sensitive environment.

While the protests at Kalighat created a momentary flashpoint, the visit of the Chief Election Commissioner and the Commission’s full bench is likely to play a significant role in shaping administrative and electoral preparedness in West Bengal in the coming months.