The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar was shown black flags and faced “go back” slogans in Kolkata on Monday (March 9, 2026) morning in Kolkata near the Kalighat temple. The ECI officials are on a two-day tour in Kolkata to assess the poll-preparedness of the State.
The full bench of the Election Commission of India (ECI) was at Kalighat to offer their prayers at the Kali temple, which is also close to the residence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar arrives in Kolkata, to hold meetings on poll preparedness over next two days
Mr. Kumar was accompanied by West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal during his visit to the temple. Protests erupted outside the temple premises, but police present at the spot brought the situation under control. The protestors did not carry political flags and did not claim allegiance to any particular political party.
The SIR conundrum in West Bengal
