To review preparations for the upcoming elections, the full bench of the Election Commission arrived in West Bengal on Sunday night. On Monday morning, under tight security, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar offered prayers at the Kalighat temple. However, from the moment he set foot in the city, he has been repeatedly facing protests and ‘Go Back’ slogans.
Smiling Gyanesh Kumar Leaves the Temple After Puja
On Monday morning, Gyanesh Kumar reached the Kalighat temple accompanied by the state’s Chief Electoral Officer. The entire area was placed under heavy security cover. After completing the puja, he stepped out of the temple with a smile on his face.
Speaking to journalists, he said, “My greetings to every brother and sister. May Goddess Kali keep everyone well.” However, when he was asked about the protests, he chose not to make any comment. After that, he left directly for his hotel in New Town. Later in the day, he is also scheduled to visit Belur Math.
Black Flags and Protests Across the City
On Sunday night, after landing at the airport and travelling along VIP Road, the Chief Election Commissioner was met with black flag demonstrations by CPI(M) leaders and workers. On Monday morning, on his way to Kalighat, he again faced intense protests at Hazra, where a group of people surrounded his convoy. Protesters holding placards raised continuous ‘Go Back’ slogans.
Why These Protests? What Are the Citizens Demanding?
The protesters at Hazra claimed that they were not affiliated to any political party and were merely ordinary citizens. Their main grievance concerns the removal of names from the voters’ list. According to them, the names of a large number of people across the state are being deleted from the electoral rolls. They allege that this fear has already led to the deaths of several people.
Raising the question of who will take responsibility for this situation, they took to the streets with placards in hand to voice their concerns.
High-Voltage Meetings Through the Day
On Sunday night, the state’s Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Chief Electoral Officer welcomed the 12-member full bench of the Election Commission at the airport. According to sources, the team will hold a series of crucial meetings throughout Monday.
At 10 AM, a meeting is scheduled with the state’s nodal officers. At 1:15 PM, there will be a meeting on security arrangements and law and order relating to poll preparedness.
Later in the day, the Commission will also meet representatives of various political parties. From the Trinamool Congress, the delegation will include Minister Firhad Hakim, Chandrima Bhattacharya, and Rajya Sabha candidate and former IPS officer Rajeev Kumar.
The visit of the full bench of the Election Commission ahead of the formal announcement of election dates, along with the protests by opposition parties and sections of the public, has turned the political atmosphere in West Bengal highly charged.
