Kolkata, 13 October (H.S.) : Political tensions in West Bengal escalated on Tuesday amid ongoing protests by opposition parties in Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Following her participation in the agitation in the national capital, a protest rally organized in Kolkata under Mamata Banerjee's call against the central government was intercepted and stopped by the police. The administration emphasized that no official permission had been granted for the procession.

Late Monday night, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari issued a stern warning, stating that no disruptions would be permitted during the festive period. He affirmed that maintaining law and order remains paramount, indicating that central forces would be deployed if necessary to prevent unlawful gatherings from moving forward.

The Kalighat Trinamool faction had issued leaflets calling for a protest march from Rajabazar to Park Circus on Tuesday. Although participants began assembling and proceeded along the route, the police declared the event unauthorized. Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nanda noted that the department had received no formal application or clearance for the demonstration, adding that standard legal measures would be enforced.

Heavy police contingents and security personnel intercepted the march shortly after it commenced. While Banerjee was initially expected to join the procession, she was not present at the site. Leading the march, MLA Kunal Ghosh stated that substantial police and security personnel had been mobilized to block what he termed a democratic demonstration, asserting that their protest had nonetheless highlighted their opposition to the central government.

Opposition parties have repeatedly demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations concerning electoral irregularities, an issue on which Rahul Gandhi has also approached the Supreme Court. The demonstration in Kolkata was organized against this backdrop, with organizers seeking to protest alleged administrative overreach and the detention of Banerjee in Delhi. However, tight police vigilance ensured the procession was halted before it could proceed further.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh