Protests Greet Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Kolkata: What’s Behind the Tension?

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's visit to Kolkata was marred by protests from Trinamool Congress activists, who displayed black flags and anti-Kumar slogans. This unrest highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, with both Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) demanding a delay in polling date announcements until judicial reviews are completed. Kumar, however, maintained his composure and refrained from commenting on the protests, extending his greetings to the people of West Bengal instead. The situation raises questions about the political dynamics at play in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 11:34 IST

Protests Erupt as CEC Visits Kolkata

Kolkata: On Monday morning, Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), encountered protests from Trinamool Congress supporters displaying black flags and 'Go Back' signs as he exited the renowned Kali temple in Kalighat, located near Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's residence.

Prior to his scheduled meetings with various political party delegations starting at 10 AM, Kumar visited the temple to offer his prayers.

Upon leaving the temple, he was met with a crowd of Trinamool Congress activists who were chanting slogans against him and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

Despite the protests, Kumar remained composed, leaving the scene with a smile and refraining from commenting to the media about the demonstrations.

"I extend my best wishes to all the people of West Bengal. May Goddess Kali bless everyone," he stated, choosing not to address the protests directly.

Kumar had also faced demonstrations upon his arrival in Kolkata on Sunday night, where both Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) activists protested separately at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed that these protests indicated a hidden alliance between the Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) regarding the SIR issue.

Both parties have a shared demand concerning the SIR, insisting that the Election Commission should delay announcing polling dates for West Bengal until the judicial review of voters' documents categorized under 'logical discrepancy' is concluded.