The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, encountered protests and black flags from Trinamool Congress activists in Kolkata. This incident took place as he exited the iconic Goddess Kali temple in South Kolkata after offering prayers. Despite the protests and “Go-Back” posters, Kumar maintained composure and refrained from responding to media questions.
Before commencing his official engagements with the Election Commission of India’s full Bench, Kumar visited the Kalighat temple for prayers. The Trinamool Congress activists present at the temple premises expressed their dissent through protests and slogans. Despite the opposition, Kumar left the site with a smile, choosing not to engage with the media regarding the demonstrations.
Upon his arrival in Kolkata the previous night, Kumar faced similar protests outside the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Both Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) activists staged separate protests, leading to speculations about a possible understanding between the two parties on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue. The BJP state leadership alleged a covert agreement between Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) concerning the SIR matter.
CEC Kumar, while refraining from commenting on the protests, extended his greetings to the people of West Bengal and sought blessings from Goddess Kali. Both Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) share a common demand that the Election Commission should withhold announcing polling dates for West Bengal until the resolution of ongoing judicial scrutiny related to voters’ documents under the “logical discrepancy” category.
