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The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a decisive step in ensuring fair and impartial elections in Jharkhand by ordering the immediate removal of Acting Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Gupta. This decision, announced on Saturday, October 19, 2024, stems from a history of complaints and alleged misconduct against Gupta during previous elections.
The ECI's decision to remove Gupta is not a sudden move. It is based on a series of incidents that have raised concerns about his ability to oversee elections without bias. During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Gupta, then serving as Additional Director General (ADG) of the Special Branch, was removed following allegations of biased conduct raised by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). His involvement in electoral controversies goes back even further, dating back to the 2016 Biennial Elections to the Council of States from Jharkhand, where he was accused of misconduct in his role as Additional DGP.
The ECI's action highlights its commitment to ensuring free and fair elections. By removing Gupta, the ECI aims to create a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. This action is a clear message that officials with a history of wrongdoing will not be allowed to influence the electoral process. The Jharkhand government has been instructed to comply with the ECI's directives without delay, submitting a compliance report by 7 pm on the same day and presenting a panel of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers by 10 am on October 21, 2024, to fill the vacant position.
The upcoming elections in Jharkhand are crucial, and the ECI's proactive approach is aimed at ensuring that the polls are conducted fairly and transparently. With the state set to go to polls in two phases, on November 13 and 20, the ECI's decision to remove Gupta underlines its commitment to upholding democratic principles and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
Source: Poll panel orders Jharkhand top cop's removal citing his past complaints