Congress Party Calls for Removal of DGP Rashmi Shukla Ahead of State Elections
In a bold move aimed at ensuring a transparent and impartial electoral process, the Congress party has taken a stand against the continued tenure of Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla. State president Nana Patole recently submitted a letter to the Election Commission, urging them to remove Shukla from her post ahead of the upcoming state elections. The Congress party has raised concerns about Shukla’s alleged ties to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the potential impact this could have on the fairness of the electoral process.
Controversy Surrounding Shukla’s Extended Term
One of the key points of contention raised by the Congress party is the extension of Rashmi Shukla’s tenure beyond her scheduled retirement date. Shukla, who was initially set to retire on June 30, 2024, has been granted an extension until January 2026. Congress argues that this decision violates the Maharashtra Police Act, which mandates that the DGP’s term should either be two years or end upon their retirement, whichever comes first. Nana Patole has emphasized that the extension of Shukla’s tenure is unlawful and could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
Efforts to obtain a statement from Rashmi Shukla regarding the allegations and her extended term have been met with silence. Despite repeated requests for comment, Shukla has not responded to the accusations levied against her. This lack of communication has only fueled further speculation and controversy surrounding her continued role as Director General of Police.
Congress Delegation Meets with Election Commissioner
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar recently visited Maharashtra and held a meeting with a Congress delegation to discuss the concerns raised about Rashmi Shukla’s tenure. The delegation, which included state general secretaries Munaf Hakim and Dr. Gajanan Desai, submitted a formal letter from Nana Patole requesting Shukla’s removal from office. This meeting marks a significant step in Congress’s efforts to ensure a level playing field during the upcoming state elections.
During the meeting with the Election Commissioner, Congress leaders reiterated their objections to Shukla’s continued association with the BJP-led government. Nana Patole highlighted the potential conflict of interest that could arise from Shukla’s extended term and called for swift action to address the issue. The Congress party remains steadfast in their commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and transparency in the electoral process.
Concerns Over Electoral Process
In addition to the call for Rashmi Shukla’s removal, the Congress party has raised objections to the location of polling stations in private residential societies. Party leaders argue that all voting should take place in government buildings to maintain transparency and prevent any potential bias. The Congress delegation has emphasized the need for stringent measures to ensure that the electoral process remains open and accessible to all voters.
Munaf Hakim, one of the state general secretaries, has expressed concerns about the handling of polling data, specifically Form 17C, which records important information about the voting process. Hakim has called for the immediate handover of this form to polling agents after voting ends to guarantee the integrity and verifiability of the election results. These demands reflect the Congress party’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of electoral integrity in Maharashtra.
As the state gears up for the upcoming elections, the Congress party’s demands for the removal of Rashmi Shukla and changes to the location of polling stations remain at the forefront of their efforts to ensure free and fair elections. The Election Commission is expected to review the concerns raised by Congress and respond accordingly to address the issues surrounding the electoral process.
