MPCC President Nana Patole Urges Election Commission to Remove DGP Shukla Over Allegations of Bias ahead of Maharastra Assembly Elections

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Nana Patole has formally requested the Election Commission of India (ECI) to remove Smt. Rashmi Shukla from her position as Director General of Police (DGP) for Maharashtra. 

In his letter, Patole highlighted the swift dismissal of the DGP in Jharkhand following the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), emphasizing the lack of similar action against Shukla. He expressed grave concerns regarding the escalating political violence directed at opposition parties in Maharashtra, citing a marked deterioration in the law and order situation over the past three weeks.

Patole accused Shukla of exhibiting bias against the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP), referencing her controversial history, including the unauthorized phone tapping of opposition leaders during her tenure as Pune’s Commissioner of Police and head of the State Intelligence Department. He alleged that Shukla has been instructing various police officials to fabricate charges against opposition leaders.

The MPCC President criticized the Election Commission for seemingly ignoring Shukla's actions and her alleged dereliction of duty. He called for her immediate termination, claiming her unauthorized extension in office undermines the integrity of the electoral process. Patole warned that if the Election Commission fails to act, the Congress party may pursue legal avenues.

This appeal underscores a critical moment in Maharashtra’s political landscape, as the Congress party raises serious questions about police impartiality. The Election Commission's response to this request could significantly influence the state's law enforcement hierarchy and public perceptions of political neutrality within government institutions.