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The upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections have witnessed a significant development, with the Election Commission ordering the transfer of state Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla, just two weeks before voting commences. This decision comes in the wake of strong allegations from the opposition parties, led by the Congress, accusing Shukla of exhibiting bias towards the ruling Mahayuti alliance. They expressed concerns that fair elections would be impossible if Shukla remained in the top police position.
The Election Commission, in response to the accusations, has directed Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik to immediately hand over Shukla's responsibilities to the next seniormost IPS officer. Furthermore, the commission has requested a panel of three names by the following day to select the next state police chief. This swift action underscores the seriousness with which the Election Commission is taking the allegations of bias and its commitment to ensuring a fair and impartial electoral process.
During previous review meetings and the announcement of the Assembly polls, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had firmly warned officials to maintain impartiality and fairness, emphasizing the importance of being perceived as non-partisan in their duties. The opposition parties, including the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), had vocally accused Shukla of exhibiting clear bias in favor of the ruling coalition.
Sanjay Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP and leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), made serious allegations against Shukla. He claimed that in 2019, during the formation of the previous government, Shukla, working directly for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had tapped the phones of opposition leaders and provided information to then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis about their plans. Raut questioned whether Shukla could conduct fair elections under such circumstances and argued that the Election Commission had previously refused to transfer her, despite evidence of bias. He further drew a parallel to the transfer of Jharkhand's DGP, suggesting that police pressure was being used to influence the Maharashtra elections.
The Maharashtra Congress chief, Nana Patole, had previously written to the Chief Election Commissioner, requesting Shukla's removal. In his letter, Patole accused Shukla of displaying clear bias against opposition parties, pointing to a rise in political violence against them and a deterioration in law and order during her tenure. He cited her previous 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 transfer of Shukla has been welcomed by the Congress, with Vijay Wadettiwar, Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, stating that the coalition government was being dishonest in extending Shukla's term despite serious charges against her. He believes that her extended term was intended to ensure non-transparent elections.
Rashmi Shukla, an IPS officer of the 1988 batch, holds the distinction of being the first woman to become Maharashtra's police chief. She previously served as the Director General of the Sashstra Seema Bal (SSB). The upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with vote counting to take place on November 23.
Source: Poll Body Changes Maharashtra Police Chief After Opposition Alleges Bias