ECI Full Bench Conducts Two-Day Visit in Kolkata
Synopsis
The Election Commission of India, led by CEC Gyanesh Kumar, has arrived in Kolkata for an intensive two-day visit. The agenda includes crucial meetings with political party representatives and significant ceremonial visits, marking an important event in the state's election landscape.
Key Takeaways
The ECI full bench, led by CEC Gyanesh Kumar, is in Kolkata for discussions with political parties.
Meetings are scheduled for March 9, with each party receiving a brief time slot.
The Trinamool Congress will lead the discussions as the ruling party.
Several additional representatives from the Trinamool Congress have been included in the delegation.
The visit emphasizes the ECI's role in facilitating fair elections.
Kolkata, March 8 (NationPress) The full bench of the Election Commission of India (ECI), headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, touched down in Kolkata from New Delhi late on Sunday night, ready for a busy two-day agenda.
Upon arrival at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, CEC Kumar and his team were welcomed by West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal and state Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty.
On Monday morning, CEC Kumar is set to kick off his visit with a trip to the historic Kali temple at Kalighat in south Kolkata, conveniently located near the residence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, before diving into the official itinerary.
According to the schedule, the Commission's full bench will conduct meetings with representatives from various registered political parties on Monday, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, with each party allotted a 10-minute slot for discussion.
As the ruling party, the Trinamool Congress is anticipated to secure the first appointment with the ECI’s full bench.
Initially, the Trinamool Congress delegation was to include three representatives: two Lok Sabha members, Mahua Moitra and Kalyan Banerjee, along with Rajya Sabha member Samirul Islam.
Nevertheless, late on Sunday, the ruling party announced the addition of three more representatives to the delegation meeting with CEC Kumar.
Among the new members are Firhad Hakim, West Bengal Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister and Mayor of Kolkata, and Chandrima Bhattacharya, Minister of State for Finance (independent charge).
The third new addition is Rajeev Kumar, the recently retired acting Director General of West Bengal Police, who is expected to become a member of the Rajya Sabha from the Trinamool Congress.
After wrapping up their two-day engagement, the Commission's full bench will head back to New Delhi on the evening of March 10.
Point of View
Particularly under the leadership of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, underscores the importance of engaging with local political entities. The scheduled meetings with various parties reflect the Commission’s commitment to ensuring a fair electoral process as the state gears up for upcoming elections.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the ECI full bench during this visit?
The ECI full bench is led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
What is the purpose of the ECI's visit to Kolkata?
The visit aims to hold meetings with political parties and conduct ceremonial visits, ensuring a smooth electoral process.
When will the ECI full bench return to New Delhi?
The ECI full bench will return to New Delhi on the evening of March 10.
Which political parties will meet with the ECI?
Representatives from various registered political parties, including the Trinamool Congress, will meet with the ECI.
How long will each political party have for their meeting?
Each political party will be allotted 10 minutes for interaction during their meeting with the ECI.
