Protests Erupt as CEC Gyanesh Kumar Exits Kalighat Temple
Synopsis
On March 9, CEC Gyanesh Kumar encountered protests from Trinamool Congress activists as he emerged from the Kalighat temple in South Kolkata. The activists displayed black flags and 'Go-Back' posters, voicing their dissent while Kumar maintained his composure.
Key Takeaways
Protests occurred as CEC Gyanesh Kumar left Kalighat temple.
Activists displayed black flags and slogans against him.
Kumar visited the temple prior to his scheduled activities.
Both Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) share a common demand regarding the SIR issue .
Kumar remained composed and did not react to media inquiries.
Kolkata, March 9 (NationPress) On Monday morning, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar found himself amidst protests as he exited the renowned Goddess Kali temple located at Kalighat in South Kolkata. This temple is notably close to the residence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Prior to engaging in his scheduled activities for a two-day visit with the Election Commission of India's full Bench, which commences with meetings involving various registered political party delegations at 10 AM, Kumar visited the temple to offer his prayers.
As he left the temple premises, he encountered a group of Trinamool Congress activists who had gathered, brandishing black flags and waving posters with “Go-Back” slogans. The demonstrators expressed their dissent with shouts against Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
Nevertheless, Kumar remained composed and departed the scene with a smile, opting not to respond to the media's inquiries regarding the protests directed at him.
“I extend my greetings to all the brothers and sisters of West Bengal. May Goddess Kali bless everyone,” stated CEC Kumar, choosing to refrain from commenting on the ongoing protests.
Upon his arrival in Kolkata the previous night with fellow Commission members, he had also faced protests immediately after disembarking from the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Activists from both the Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) organized separate protests on Sunday night. The state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership asserted that these demonstrations indicated a covert agreement between the Trinamool Congress and the CPI(M) concerning the SIR matter.
Both the Trinamool Congress and the CPI(M) share a common demand regarding the SIR issue, urging that the Election Commission refrain from declaring polling dates for West Bengal until the judicial review of voter documents labeled under the “logical discrepancy” category has been concluded.
Point of View
Kumar's composed response suggests a commitment to maintaining neutrality during the electoral process. This situation underscores the complexities of Indian politics as the Election Commission prepares for crucial upcoming elections.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gyanesh Kumar?
Gyanesh Kumar is the Chief Election Commissioner of India, responsible for overseeing the conduct of elections in the country.
What prompted the protests at Kalighat?
The protests were initiated by Trinamool Congress activists expressing their dissent against CEC Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision process.
What is the significance of the Kalighat temple?
The Kalighat temple is a historic and iconic temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, located in South Kolkata and is close to the residence of the Chief Minister.
What do the Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) want regarding the SIR issue?
Both parties demand that the Election Commission delay announcing polling dates for West Bengal until the judicial review of voter documents is complete.
How did CEC Kumar respond to the protests?
Kumar maintained his composure, smiling as he left the scene and refraining from commenting on the protests to the media.
