Acting on complaints of alleged bias and phone tapping, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the transfer of Rashmi Shukla, EMaharashtra’s Director General of Police (DGP). The ECI has instructed the state’s Chief Secretary to assign her responsibilities to the next senior-most IPS officer in the cadre and to submit a panel of three IPS officers by 1 pm on November 5 for consideration as her replacement.
The ECI’s directive follows grievances raised by opposition parties, including Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), who have accused Shukla of partisan actions favoring the ruling party. During recent meetings concerning the state’s upcoming assembly elections, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar emphasized the need for neutrality, urging officials to maintain not only impartial conduct but also the appearance of fairness.
Opposition leaders have been vocal in their criticism. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut expressed skepticism over Shukla’s ability to conduct unbiased elections, citing the phone-tapping allegations and recent instances of alleged harassment of opposition leaders. “There are very serious allegations against the state’s DGP Rashmi Shukla. Can we expect her to conduct fair elections?” Raut questioned, adding that the opposition had repeatedly appealed for her transfer.
Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole echoed these concerns, having submitted formal letters to the ECI in September and October, seeking Shukla’s removal. Patole alleged that Shukla, appointed to her post after the BJP came to power, had taken actions that were politically motivated, including directing law enforcement to file cases against opposition leaders. Patole argued that Shukla’s continued position posed a risk to election transparency and public trust.
“After the BJP took office, Shukla was appointed DGP and later given an irregular extension, which raises questions about impartiality in her role,” Patole stated in his letter, adding that the Congress had met with ECI officials in Mumbai to reiterate their demands.
The ECI’s decision was welcomed by Vijay Wadettiwar, Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly. He claimed that Shukla’s extension signaled government attempts to manipulate the upcoming elections. “The ECI’s decision to transfer Rashmi Shukla confirms the Mahayuti government’s dishonest conduct,” Wadettiwar said in a tweet. He further alleged that the ruling alliance used “unconstitutional means” to keep favored officers in influential positions.
As Maharashtra heads toward assembly elections, the ECI’s actions signal an effort to uphold a fair and impartial election environment amid mounting political tensions.
