NCP Raises Concerns Over Rashmi Shukla’s Appointment as Maharashtra DGP, Cites Violations and Political Motives
Mumbai, 7th January 2024: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Sharad Pawar, has voiced reservations about the appointment of IPS officer Rashmi Shukla as the Director General of Police (DGP) in Maharashtra. Allegations of violations of UPSC norms and Election Commission guidelines have sparked controversy surrounding Shukla’s recent appointment.
NCP spokesperson Vidya Chavan asserted that Shukla’s appointment as DGP raises concerns about violating UPSC norms due to her impending retirement in five months, falling short of the required six-month service tenure. Chavan further argued that the appointment goes against Election Commission norms, citing Shukla’s association with Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and highlighting two criminal cases filed against her for unauthorized phone tapping during the Maha Vikas Aghadi regime.
Implying a political motive, Chavan suggested that the appointment might be orchestrated by Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, possibly with an eye on the upcoming Lok Sabha and state assembly polls. The NCP has raised questions about the impartiality and fairness of the appointment process.
Eknath Khadse, an NCP leader, emphasized the need for Shukla to act responsibly and impartially despite the controversy surrounding her appointment. Khadse had previously accused Shukla of intercepting his phone during her tenure as the state intelligence chief.
Rashmi Shukla, who assumed the DGP position on January 4, has made history as the first woman to hold this position in Maharashtra. Known for her previous role as the police commissioner of Pune, Shukla introduced initiatives such as ‘Buddy Cop’ to enhance women’s safety, particularly those working late nights at call centres and software companies.
The home department issued the appointment order for Shukla, setting her initial tenure for six months, aligning with her retirement in June 2024. The government has the option to extend her term, and her appointment marks a significant milestone in the state’s law enforcement history.
