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CEC Gyanesh Kumar Assures Violence-Free Polls in West Bengal

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has assured that the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections will be conducted in a violence-free and pressure-free environment. The Election Commission delegation reviewed all poll preparations and engaged with booth-level officers during their visit to the state. However, the visit was met with protests by TMC workers, who staged a black flag demonstration against the CEC outside a temple. The state, with 294 assembly seats, is scheduled to go to polls later this year.

Key Points: CEC Vows Violence-Free West Bengal Assembly Elections

  • CEC assures violence-free polls
  • EC reviewed all preparations
  • TMC workers stage black flag protest
  • Polls for 294 seats scheduled this year
  • EC delegation visited West Bengal
2 min read

WB assembly polls wil be held in "violence-free environment", assures CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar assures a non-violent, pressure-free environment for the upcoming West Bengal polls amid TMC protests.

"The Election Commission is committed to conducting non-violent, non-pressurised elections in West Bengal. - CEC Gyanesh Kumar"

Kolkata, March 10

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Tuesday appealed to voters to exercise their franchise in the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections and assured a "violence-free environment"

"The Election Commission appeals to all the voters of West Bengal that the upcoming elections will be held in a violence-free and pressure-free environment. In this festival of democracy, all the voters of West Bengal must come to vote... There are a total of 294 seats in West Bengal, of which 210 are General, 68 are reserved for Schedule Caste, and 16 are reserved for Schedule Tribe," he said.

While addressing a press conference, the Chief Election Commissioner assured that all the preparations had been reviewed by the Election Commission.

"The entire Election Commission has been in West Bengal for the past two days to review the upcoming West Bengal elections and has thoroughly reviewed all preparations for the elections. The Election Commission also had a discussion with the booth-level officers. New voters were also symbolically given EPIC cards..." he said.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Tuesday offered prayers at the Dakshineshwar Kali temple in West Bengal and affirmed the ECI's commitment to holding "non-violent, and non-pressurised" polls in the state.

Speaking to reporters outside the temple, CEC Kumar said, "We offered prayers at the Dakshineshwar Kali temple. The Election Commission is committed to conducting non-violent, non-pressurised elections in West Bengal."

"CEC Gyanesh Kumar paid obeisance at Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata, today and seeks the blessings of Maa Kali," ECI wrote on X.

However, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers gathered in front of the Dakshineshwar Kali temple gate holding black flags and banners saying, "Go back, Gyanesh Kumar."

The black flag protest came amid the ongoing tussle between the party and the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in West Bengal.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi are visiting West Bengal to review poll preparedness in the state. West Bengal is scheduled to hold Legislative Assembly elections later this year.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Visiting the Dakshineshwar temple is a nice gesture, but actions speak louder than prayers. The black flag protest shows the ground reality is tense. The EC needs to be completely impartial and firm with all parties.
R
Rohit P
As a Bengali, I just want a normal election where I can go vote with my family without worrying about goons or booth capturing. The EC must deploy central forces well in advance. No more "tolabaji" in the name of politics!
S
Sarah B
The focus should be on the 68 SC and 16 ST reserved seats. Ensuring a free and fair election in these constituencies is crucial for the representation of marginalised communities. Hope the EC has a special plan for those areas.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, the CEC's visit and temple photo-op feel like a formality. The real test is on polling day. We've heard these "violence-free" promises before. I'll believe it when I see peaceful voting and counting. The EC's credibility is on the line.
K
Kavya N
Giving EPIC cards to new voters is a positive step! Engaging the youth is key. My brother just turned 18 and is excited to vote for the first time. He should be able to do so without any "pressure" as the CEC says. Fingers crossed! 🤞

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