NEW DELHI: Congress on Thursday wrote to the Election Commission of India seeking removal of the state Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla over alleged “bias” against the opposition in the upcoming assembly elections in the state.
“Kindly refer to our previous letters dated 24th September 2024 and 4th October 2024 concerning the removal of Rashmi Shukla from the post of Director General of Police, Maharashtra. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) reiterated this request during a briefing with the Election Commission of India (ECI) on 27th September 2024,” Congress state president Nana Patole said in the letter.
“This request has been repeatedly submitted through oral representations and press conferences. While the DGP of Jharkhand was removed immediately after the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was enforced, DGP Maharashtra was exempted. Over the past 20 days, political violence against opposition parties has significantly escalated, with a notable deterioration in the law and order situation. She has shown a clear bias against the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP(SP), as evidenced by her previous record of illegal phone tapping of opposition leaders while serving as Commissioner of Police, Pune, and Commissioner of the State Intelligence Department (SID),” the letter further added.
The Maharashtra Congress has accused DGP Shukla of directing various Commissioners of Police and Superintendents of Police to file “false cases” against opposition leaders. They are demanding her immediate removal to guarantee free and fair elections.
“She has reportedly instructed various CPs and SPs to file false cases against opposition leaders. The Commission appears to be overlooking these actions and her dereliction of duty,” the letter said.
The Assembly elections in Maharashtra will be held in a single phase on November 20, 2024. The counting of the votes will be done on November 23, 2024.