Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Tuesday said the Election Commission is determined to conduct violence-free and peaceful elections in West Bengal, even as he faced protests during a visit to Dakshineswar temple on the third day of his tour of the state.
Speaking to journalists, Kumar said the commission would closely monitor the situation to prevent any untoward incidents during the polls. He said, "We will keep watch to ensure that no unpleasant incidents occur in this election. The Election Commission is determined to conduct violence-free and peaceful elections."
Sources said the Chief Election Commissioner had already warned district magistrates and police superintendents about maintaining law and order during a meeting held on Monday. He reportedly made it clear that no form of violence during the election process would be tolerated and that strict action would be taken if law and order deteriorated. The commission, officials said, is adopting a zero-tolerance policy in this regard.
Protests during temple visits
Kumar began his day around 7 AM with a visit to Belur Math. He offered prayers at the main temple and also met the head monk, Swami Gautamanandji Maharaj. The Chief Election Commissioner spent about 45 minutes at the monastery.
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After leaving Belur Math, he travelled to the Bhavatarini temple at Dakshineswar. During this visit, a group of protesters gathered near the Dakshineswar skywalk and showed black flags. They also raised 'go-back' slogans as Kumar’s vehicle passed the area.
However, Kumar did not react publicly to the protests.
Protesters raise allegations
According to local sources, some Trinamool Congress workers and supporters had been waiting near the temple area since morning with black flags. They stood not far from the main gate of the Dakshineswar temple.
As soon as Kumar’s car approached, they began raising slogans against the Election Commission. The protesters alleged that the commission was harassing people by removing names from the voter list and marking living voters as dead. They also claimed that voters were being unnecessarily drawn into legal complications.
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Police had set up barricades near the temple and kept the protesters outside the premises to prevent disruption.
Meanwhile, on the final day of the Election Commission's visit, the full bench is scheduled to hold meetings with the Chief Electoral Officer and nodal officers of the Central Armed Police Forces. The commission will also hold detailed discussions with the state’s top administrative officials, including the Chief Secretary, on law and order and election preparations.
After meeting booth-level officers, the commission's full bench is expected to address journalists before returning to Delhi later in the afternoon.
