The recent extension granted to Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla has raised concerns about its potential impact on the electoral process, according to Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole. In a letter to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Patole questioned the politically motivated appointment of Shukla and the two-year extension granted to her. He emphasized the need for the ECI to review these decisions to ensure that the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls are conducted in a free and fair manner.
Patole highlighted that the extension of Shukla’s tenure beyond her original retirement date violates the Maharashtra Police Act, which mandates a two-year tenure for the DGP. The Congress leader expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and due consideration in the decision-making process, suggesting that the government’s motivations may not align with legal standards and public accountability.
Moreover, Patole pointed out that the timing of Shukla’s extension, just before the upcoming elections, raises suspicions of political influence on the electoral process. He urged the ECI to take immediate action to uphold the integrity of Maharashtra’s police force and ensure adherence to laws and principles governing such appointments.
The Congress leader also criticized the state government’s justification for the service extension, citing the Supreme Court’s Prakash Singh judgment. He argued that such actions could set dangerous precedents and have ramifications for police governance across India by bypassing established norms like those of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
As Maharashtra gears up for the upcoming elections scheduled for November, the controversy surrounding Rashmi Shukla’s extension adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape. The ECI’s response to Patole’s concerns and the review of Shukla’s appointment will be crucial in addressing the allegations of political interference and ensuring a level playing field for all parties involved in the electoral process.
