Firhad Hakim, Chandrima Bhattacharya to represent TMC during meeting with Election Commission on March 9
Kolkata, March 9
Trinamool Congress leaders Firhad Hakim, Chandrima Bhattacharya, and former West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar will represent the party in a meeting with the Election Commission of India in Kolkata on Monday, the party said.
The meeting comes during the ongoing visit of the poll panel to review election preparedness in the state ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
According to the TMC, the delegation led by Hakim, who is also the Mayor of Kolkata, along with state minister Chandrima Bhattacharya and Rajeev Kumar, will present the party's views during the interaction with the Election Commission officials.
The meeting is scheduled as Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, are on a three-day visit to West Bengal from March 8 to 10 to assess preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections.
The Election Commission team arrived in Kolkata on Sunday and was received amid protests by a group of locals near the airport. Demonstrators gathered outside a private hotel in New Town, wearing posters that read "Go back, Gyanesh Kumar, murderer of democracy." Protesters also showed black flags to the convoy of the Chief Election Commissioner outside the airport.
During their visit, the Election Commission officials are expected to hold meetings with representatives of various political parties, senior administrative officials and police authorities to review election-related arrangements in the state.
The visit comes at a time when political activity in West Bengal has intensified ahead of the Assembly elections expected in the first half of the year. The ruling All India Trinamool Congress is preparing to defend its position in the state while facing a strong challenge from the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Earlier, after reviewing election preparedness in Kerala, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar expressed confidence in the readiness of the election machinery, saying that the upcoming Assembly elections there could set a benchmark for democratic practices in the country.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Sending Firhad Hakim and Chandrima Bhattacharya is a strong move by TMC. They are seasoned leaders. But including a former DGP in a political delegation? That's a bit unusual, no? 🤔 The EC must ensure a level playing field for all parties.
The protests with "murderer of democracy" posters are too harsh. We should respect constitutional bodies. The EC's visit is standard procedure before elections. Let's focus on issues like voter awareness and security instead of creating drama.
As someone following Indian politics, the 2026 Bengal election is crucial. The BJP's challenge to TMC will be intense. The EC's preparedness review now sets the tone. Hope they address concerns about political violence, which has been a problem in the past.
Respectfully, the article mentions the EC team was greeted with black flags. This is not how we should treat officials doing their duty. Bengal needs peaceful elections. All parties, including the ruling one, must cooperate fully with the Commission. Jai Hind!
Chandrima Bhattacharya is a capable minister. Good to see women in such important delegations. The real test will be on polling day – ensuring every vote is cast without fear. The EC should pay special attention to sensitive constituencies.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.