ECI Orders Transfer Of Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla Amid Opposition
Maharashtra Forms Committee to Draft 'Love Jihad' Law, Rashmi Shukla to Lead Panel
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the immediate transfer of Maharashtra’s Director General of Police, Rashmi Shukla, following allegations from opposition parties, including Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), claiming that her role favored the ruling BJP. The EC emphasized the importance of impartiality in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections and directed the Chief Secretary to assign Shukla’s responsibilities to the next senior-most officer until a permanent replacement is selected.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut and Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole were among those who voiced concerns, alleging that Shukla’s past actions, including alleged phone surveillance of opposition leaders, indicated a bias. Patole’s October 31 letter to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar reiterated these claims, linking Shukla’s tenure to increased political violence against opposition members in recent weeks. This follows warnings from EC officials, urging local authorities to maintain non-partisan conduct during election duties.
The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with results to be announced on November 23.
