Kolkata, 10 March (H.S.): Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Tuesday visited Belur Math and the Bhavatarini Temple at Dakshineswar amid preparations for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. He said the Election Commission is fully committed to ensuring peaceful and violence-free polls in the state.

Kumar, who is on a three-day visit to West Bengal, reached Belur Math at around 7 a.m. on Tuesday. He offered prayers at the main temple and met the head of the Math, Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj, seeking his blessings. The Chief Election Commissioner spent about 45 minutes at the monastery.

Speaking to reporters after coming out of Belur Math, Kumar said special attention would be paid to ensure that no untoward incidents occur during the upcoming elections. “The Election Commission is determined to conduct peaceful and violence-free elections,” he said.

After leaving Belur Math, Kumar also visited the Bhavatarini Temple at Dakshineswar. Allegations have surfaced that black flags were shown to him on his way to the temple.

On Monday, the Chief Election Commissioner held meetings with senior police and administrative officials of the state. He also met representatives of various political parties. After the meetings, the full bench of the Election Commission said that while there might be some issues in certain areas, the overall environment in the state is conducive for holding the Assembly elections. The Commission does not believe that the law and order situation in the state is extremely poor.

Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has started preparations to bring an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner in Parliament. The post of the Chief Election Commissioner is a constitutional position, and at least 100 Members of Parliament are required to sign an impeachment motion against a person holding such an office. Trinamool Congress currently has 41 MPs in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha combined. Therefore, the party will have to seek support from MPs of other like-minded parties.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh