TMC, Election Commission Spar Over Poll Prep; CEC Reprimands Officials

• Tensions flared between TMC leaders and the Election Commission during a review meeting for the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections in Kolkata.
• TMC minister Chandrima Bhattacharya accused CEC Gyanesh Kumar of rude behavior, claiming he told her not to shout; EC sources offered a different account.
• EC members faced black flag protests from Left workers and TMC supporters upon arrival and during CEC's visit to Kalighat Kali Temple.
• TMC raised concerns about alleged electoral irregularities, while BJP demanded violence-free polls and central force deployment.
• CEC Gyanesh Kumar assured fair elections, zero-tolerance for violence, and sharply reprimanded officials over West Bengal's high violence levels.