Tension escalated outside the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in Kolkata on Wednesday as the Election Commission issued a stern warning over the unrest.
Sharing footage of the incident on its X handle, the CEO office alleged that a councillor from Beleghata, along with miscreants, laid siege to the office and raised slogans late at night. It termed the incident as anti-social activity and warned that strict legal action would be taken. The office reiterated that it will leave no stone unturned to ensure free and fair elections.
Heavy security has been deployed outside the CEO office since morning. Guardrails have been secured with ropes, and a large number of central forces personnel have been stationed to maintain order. Section 163 has been imposed in the area, prohibiting gatherings. Police had already made announcements on Wednesday warning people against assembling, but the situation quickly turned chaotic.
Protesters reportedly attacked with bamboo sticks and rods, while slogan-shouting intensified tensions. To prevent further unrest, extensive barricading has been put in place across the area.
The situation flared up again on Wednesday night over allegations related to the submission of ‘Form 6’. Trinamool-backed BLOs and party workers got into an argument with police personnel at the spot and raised slogans against them. Police then pushed the protesters 100–200 meters away from the CEO office.
Around midnight, the Kolkata Police Commissioner arrived at the CEO office and held a one-and-a-half-hour meeting with Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal. The CEO left the office around 1:30 am, following which the Police Commissioner briefed officers and issued necessary instructions. A large contingent of central forces was later deployed at the site.
The area outside the CEO office on Strand Road remained tense throughout Wednesday, with multiple rounds of clashes between Trinamool and BJP workers and supporters. Police, along with central forces, intervened to bring the situation under control.