With the Maharashtra Assembly elections approaching on November 20, the Election Commission has made a significant decision, ordering the immediate removal of DGP Rashmi Shukla. This action follows complaints from multiple opposition parties, leading the commission to instruct the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra to transfer Shukla's responsibilities to the next senior IPS officer. Additionally, the Chief Secretary has been directed to submit a panel of three IPS officers for the DGP position by Tuesday afternoon.

This decision comes amid heightened election preparations in Maharashtra, where voting for the 288 assembly seats will take place on November 20, with results announced on November 23. During a recent review meeting, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized the need for impartiality among officials to ensure fair conduct in discharging their duties.

Congress’s Persistent Demands to Remove DGP Shukla

As the election draws near, there has been a series of police transfers, with 28 officers recently reassigned, including 15 from Mumbai. However, Congress has been particularly insistent on removing DGP Rashmi Shukla, accusing her of favoritism towards the BJP. Congress leader Nana Patole alleged that Shukla’s controversial actions, including her tenure extension under BJP governance, cast doubt on her neutrality and the credibility of Maharashtra's election process.

Patole’s appeal to the Election Commission highlighted concerns about impartiality, referencing previous incidents involving Shukla, including phone tapping allegations against opposition leaders. He argued that her removal is essential to ensure a fair electoral environment.

Mixed Reactions to EC’s Decision

Patole noted that while the Election Commission heeded similar requests from the BJP in opposition-governed states like West Bengal and Jharkhand, they initially dismissed Congress's request to remove Shukla. Despite Congress’s petitions submitted on September 24 and October 4, the EC did not act until now, following a formal delegation visit in late September.

With the election code of conduct in place since October 15, Maharashtra’s political climate remains tense, with parties closely monitoring the influence of administrative changes on the upcoming election.