Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar visited West Bengal on Tuesday morning and offered prayers at Belur Math amid protests by political workers as the state prepares for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.
The CEC reached Belur Math at around 7:15 a.m., where he was received by monks of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. During the visit, he first offered prayers at the main temple and later met the organisation’s president, Swami Gautmananda.
Before arriving at Belur Math, protesters gathered under the skywalk in Dakshineswar and demonstrated against him. They waved black flags and raised “go-back” slogans as his convoy passed.
Speaking after the visit, Kumar said the Election Commission was committed to ensuring free, fair, and violence-free elections in West Bengal.
He said the Commission had come to Belur Math, the sacred place associated with Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda, and assured the people of the state that voters would be able to cast their votes without fear or pressure.
“The Election Commission will closely monitor the law and order situation. Our main goal is to ensure free and fair elections,” he said while greeting the people of the state.
After leaving Belur Math, Kumar’s convoy proceeded to Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Adyapeath Temple to offer prayers.
Later in the day, the full bench of the Election Commission is scheduled to meet West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty. According to sources, the Commission will also hold discussions with the Director General of State Police, the Chief Electoral Officer, and nodal officers of the Central Forces regarding election preparations and law-and-order arrangements.
The Commission is expected to address journalists at 12 noon, after which the delegation will leave for Delhi. Officials believe that following the review of the situation in the state, the schedule for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections may soon be announced.
Kumar had also visited Kalighat Kali Temple on Monday, where he performed puja and participated in the aarti. Despite facing brief protests on his way to the temple, he completed the rituals and said, “This time it is the turn to vote fearlessly.”
The Chief Election Commissioner and the full bench of the Election Commission arrived in Kolkata on Sunday night. Since his arrival, Kumar has faced protests at several locations. Demonstrations were first reported near Kolkata Airport, where political workers raised slogans as his convoy left the airport.
Further protests took place along VIP Road, where workers of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and supporters of the CPI(M), led by state secretary Mohammad Salim, staged demonstrations and raised slogans against him.
Also read: Opposition set to move motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
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