Background on Transfer Decision
The Election Commission has directed the Maharashtra chief secretary to replace DGP Rashmi Shukla by assigning the charge to the next senior-most IPS officer. This action comes after allegations from the Congress party accusing Shukla of bias against opposition parties.
Opposition’s Allegations
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole raised concerns in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar last month, urging the removal of Shukla. The letter cited her alleged involvement in illegal phone tapping during her tenure as Pune police commissioner and as Commissioner of the State Intelligence Department (SID).
Previous Requests for Action
The Congress’s letter referred to earlier communications dated September 24 and October 4, 2024, and noted that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition reiterated the demand during a briefing with the Election Commission on September 27, 2024.
Accusations of Political Bias and Misconduct
Patole’s letter emphasized Shukla’s alleged bias and accused her of directing police officers to file false cases against opposition leaders. “She has shown clear bias against the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP(SP),” Patole wrote, claiming a noticeable decline in law and order due to her leadership.
Immediate Actions by the Election Commission
The Election Commission instructed the chief secretary to submit a list of three IPS officers for DGP consideration by Tuesday afternoon. This step is seen as ensuring fairness during the election period.
Impact on Law and Order Concerns
The Congress noted that political violence and law and order issues have surged under Shukla’s leadership, furthering their call for her removal.
Concluding Notes
The Commission’s decision follows the model code of conduct, similar to the recent removal of Jharkhand’s DGP.
