Kolkata: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's visit to West Bengal has been marked by repeated protests, with demonstrators raising "go back" slogans and waving black flags at him during his stop at Dakshineswar Kali Temple on Tuesday morning.
Similar protests had greeted him outside Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Sunday night and again at Kalighat Temple on Monday. Despite the hostile reception, Kumar continued with his scheduled engagements, including a visit to Belur Math in Howrah district.
Speaking to reporters there, he stressed that the Election Commission is committed to ensuring violence-free polls in West Bengal. "The EC would like to ensure that elections are free from intimidation and conducted in a festive environment," he said.
Kumar is currently touring the state to review poll preparedness ahead of the Assembly elections. On Monday, he held meetings with political parties and senior officials to assess arrangements.
The protests have added a political edge to his visit, highlighting the tense atmosphere as West Bengal gears up for the polls.