Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Mar 9: Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner of Election Commission of India, faced protests and “go back” slogans on Monday morning during his visit to the revered Kalighat Temple in south Kolkata.
According to police, demonstrators showed black flags to the CEC while he was visiting the temple. Police personnel present at the spot quickly brought the situation under control, allowing Kumar to proceed with his visit.
Similar protests were witnessed on Sunday night near the airport after Kumar arrived in the city for a three-day visit ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. As his convoy was leaving the airport, workers of the All India Trinamool Congress raised “go back” slogans.
Black flags were also shown when his convoy passed through the Kaikhali area along the VIP Road. Activists from Left parties also staged protests outside the airport, increasing tensions in the area.
Police officials said the situation was handled firmly and prevented from escalating. Adequate security arrangements have been made for Kumar’s visit.
Later in the day, Kumar is scheduled to hold meetings with political parties, enforcement agencies and senior administrative officials to review preparedness for the assembly elections.
The CEC is visiting the state along with Election Commissioners S. S. Sandhu and Vivek Joshi to assess arrangements for the high-stakes polls.
Officials said the full bench of the Election Commission will first meet recognised national and state parties to hear their concerns and suggestions regarding the conduct of elections.
This will be followed by interactions with nodal officers of enforcement agencies and a detailed review meeting with senior police and administrative officials focusing on law and order preparedness, deployment planning and coordination among agencies ahead of the elections.
On Tuesday, the final day of the visit, the EC team will hold meetings with Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal and the CAPF nodal officer. The team will also interact with booth-level officers and address a press conference before leaving the city.