Maharashtra DGP Transferred Amidst Phone-Tapping Row and Ahead of Polls
Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla was transferred amid allegations of phone-tapping and political bias, as the state prepares for assembly elections.
Maharashtra DgpRashmi ShuklaMvaAssembly ElectionsPhonetappingReal Estate MaharashtraNov 04, 2024
The chief secretary of the state has been directed to form a panel of three IPS officers to recommend a new DGP by November 5. This move comes as the state gears up for the upcoming assembly elections.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar had previously cautioned all officials to maintain impartiality and avoid any actions that could be perceived as partisan. Despite this, the controversy surrounding Shukla's role has persisted.
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole addressed the issue in a letter to the CEC last month, urging for Shukla's removal. Patole accused her of showing 'clear bias' against opposition parties, including Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP). He also highlighted numerous incidents of political violence against opposition leaders in recent days.
Patole pointed out, 'While the DGP of Jharkhand was removed immediately after the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was enforced, DGP Maharashtra was exempted.' This disparity in action has raised questions about the handling of the situation.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has also voiced serious concerns about Shukla's conduct. Raut stated, 'How can we expect her to conduct fair elections when there are such serious allegations? We have been clear that the reins of the election should not be in her hands. The Election Commission initially claimed they had no authority to transfer her, but now the situation has changed. At the same time, Jharkhand’s DGP was replaced... It seems that Maharashtra’s elections are being influenced by police pressure.'
The transfer of Shukla, while addressing the immediate concerns of political leaders, has also raised questions about the transparency and impartiality of the election process. The state government and the Election Commission are under scrutiny to ensure that the upcoming assembly elections are conducted fairly and without undue influence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Rashmi Shukla transferred?
Rashmi Shukla was transferred due to allegations of phone-tapping and displaying bias against opposition parties, particularly from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and Congress leaders.
What is the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)?
Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is a political alliance in Maharashtra, consisting of the Shiv Sena, the NCP, and the Congress party, formed to contest elections and govern the state.
What role did the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) play in this transfer?
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar had previously warned officials to be impartial and non-partisan. While the CEC initially claimed they had no authority to transfer Shukla, her transfer was eventually carried out by the state government.
What concerns have been raised by opposition leaders?
Opposition leaders, including Congress chief Nana Patole and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, have raised concerns about Shukla's alleged bias and the impact of her role on the fair conduct of elections.
What is the next step in the appointment of a new DGP?
The chief secretary of the state has been directed to send a panel of three IPS officers to recommend a new DGP by November 5.
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