Tensions Rise as Chief Election Commissioner Faces Protests in Kolkata

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar encountered protests during his visit to Kolkata, marked by 'go back' slogans and black flag demonstrations. These events transpired as Kumar prepared for discussions on assembly election preparations in West Bengal. Security measures were in place to manage the tensions effectively.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Kolkata | Updated: 09-03-2026 09:22 IST | Created: 09-03-2026 09:22 IST
Tensions Rise as Chief Election Commissioner Faces Protests in Kolkata
Chief Election Commissioner
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Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar faced significant protests during his visit to Kolkata's Kalighat temple on Monday. Demonstrators, including members of the TMC and Left parties, expressed their dissent with 'go back' slogans and black flags.

Authorities managed to control the situation, which echoed similar protests near the airport on the night of Kumar's arrival. The election chief's visit to West Bengal incorporates a series of meetings to review assembly election preparedness.

Kumar, alongside fellow Election Commissioners SS Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, will meet with various political and enforcement stakeholders to ensure a seamless election process. The focus will be on bolstering law and order and coordinating security arrangements.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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