Central forces visit Firhad Hakim’s residence at midnight, Mayor alleges “intimidation” before polling

Political tensions escalated sharply in Kolkata on the eve of the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 after a large contingent of central forces, accompanied by a police observer, reached the residence of Kolkata Mayor and senior Trinamool Congress leader Firhad Hakim late Monday night. The sudden visit, just hours before polling, has triggered a fresh controversy over the role of security forces during the election process.

Firhad Hakim described the late-night visit as a deliberate act of intimidation, alleging that officials warned him sternly about maintaining order in the area and hinted at consequences if any disturbance occurred. He questioned the timing and intent of the visit, stating that such actions create unnecessary fear in an already sensitive electoral environment.

Drawing a strong comparison, Hakim said the incident reminded him of the “dark Naxal-era atmosphere” in Bengal, when late-night visits were associated with pressure tactics. He expressed concern over what he described as an erosion of democratic norms, asking whether an elected public representative should be treated in such a manner despite no history of involvement in violence or wrongdoing.

The mayor further asserted that areas like Chetla have traditionally remained peaceful during elections and do not have a record of electoral unrest. He argued that such actions not only insult elected representatives but also send a troubling message to ordinary voters about the state of democratic processes.

Administrative sources indicated that the visit was part of heightened surveillance measures in sensitive areas and involved monitoring of high-profile candidates ahead of polling. However, no official clarification has been issued. With extensive deployment of central forces across Kolkata, the incident has intensified debate over security measures and administrative neutrality just before voting.