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The Election Commission of India, with the Maharashtra Assembly polls just two weeks away, has ordered the transfer of the state's Director General of Police (DGP), Rashmi Shukla. This decision comes after the Opposition, spearheaded by the Congress party, raised concerns about Shukla's alleged bias towards the ruling Mahayuti alliance, questioning the possibility of fair elections under her leadership.
The EC has instructed Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik to hand over Shukla's responsibilities to the next most senior IPS officer, effective immediately. Furthermore, they have requested a panel of three names by the following day for the selection of the new state police chief.
The move highlights the growing concerns about the neutrality of law enforcement agencies during elections. During review meetings and the announcement of Assembly polls, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had explicitly warned officials to maintain impartiality and fairness, emphasizing the need to be perceived as non-partisan in their duties.
Several Opposition parties, including the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), had publicly accused Shukla of displaying bias towards the ruling coalition. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claimed that Shukla, while serving the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2019, had allegedly tapped the phones of opposition leaders and provided information to then-Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He questioned her ability to conduct fair elections under these circumstances, arguing that her continued presence would create an atmosphere of pressure and unfair influence.
State Congress chief Nana Patole, in a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, echoed these concerns, demanding Shukla's removal. Patole alleged that Shukla had exhibited a clear bias against Opposition parties, pointing to an escalation of political violence against them and a deterioration in the law and order situation. He cited her past record of illegal phone tapping of opposition leaders during her time as Commissioner of Police in Pune and Commissioner of the State Intelligence Department (SID) as evidence of her bias.
The Congress's Vijay Wadettiwar, Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, welcomed the transfer, stating that the coalition government's reluctance to remove Shukla, despite serious charges against her, exposed their lack of transparency and their intention to manipulate the electoral process. He accused them of extending her term to ensure that the Assembly elections were conducted in a manner unfavorable to the Opposition.
Rashmi Shukla, an IPS officer of the 1988 batch, holds the distinction of being the first woman to serve as Maharashtra's police chief. Her previous roles include Director General of the Sashstra Seema Bal. The upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with vote counting taking place on November 23.
Source: Poll Body Changes Maharashtra Police Chief After Opposition Alleges Bias