Congress Urges Removal of Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla Over Alleged Bias Ahead of Elections

Mumbai, 31st October 2024: On Thursday, Congress reached out to the Election Commission of India, requesting the removal of Maharashtra’s Director General of Police, Rashmi Shukla, due to alleged bias against opposition parties ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

In the letter, Congress state president Nana Patole referenced previous correspondence dated September 24 and October 4 regarding Shukla’s removal. He noted that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) reiterated this request during a meeting with the Election Commission on September 27.

“This demand has been repeatedly made through verbal representations and press briefings. While the DGP of Jharkhand was promptly removed following the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), DGP Maharashtra was not. Over the past three weeks, there has been a marked increase in political violence against opposition parties, along with a significant decline in law and order. Shukla has exhibited clear bias against the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP(SP), which is evidenced by her history of illegal phone tapping of opposition leaders during her tenure as Commissioner of Police in Pune and as head of the State Intelligence Department (SID),” the letter stated.

The Maharashtra Congress accused DGP Shukla of instructing various Commissioners of Police and Superintendents of Police to initiate “false cases” against opposition leaders, emphasizing the need for her immediate removal to ensure free and fair elections.

“She has allegedly directed numerous CPs and SPs to file fabricated cases against opposition figures. The Commission seems to be neglecting these actions and her failure to fulfil her duties,” the letter concluded.

The Maharashtra assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, 2024, with vote counting set for November 23, 2024.