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Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole on Thursday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, requesting the removal of Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla from her position.
In the letter, Patole accused DGP Shukla of displaying a "clear bias" against opposition parties in the state, including Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP(SP). He alleged that, in the past 20 days, Maharashtra has witnessed numerous incidents of political violence targeting opposition leaders, with cases reportedly escalating. Dated October 31, the letter reads, "Kindly refer to our previous letters dated 24th September 2024 and 4th October 2024 concerning the removal of Rashmi Shukla from the post of Director General of Police, Maharashtra. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) reiterated this request during a briefing with the Election Commission of India (ECI) on 27th September 2024." The letter continued, "This request has been repeatedly submitted through oral representations and press conferences. While the DGP of Jharkhand was removed immediately after the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was enforced, DGP Maharashtra was exempted. Over the past 20 days, political violence against opposition parties has significantly escalated, with a notable deterioration in the law and order situation. She has shown a clear bias against the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP(SP), as evidenced by her previous record of illegal phone tapping of opposition leaders while serving as Commissioner of Police, Pune, and Commissioner of the State Intelligence Department (SID)." The Maharashtra Congress further accused DGP Shukla of instructing various CPs and SPs in the state to file "false cases" against opposition leaders, calling for her immediate dismissal to ensure free and fair elections. "She has reportedly instructed various CPs and SPs to file false cases against opposition leaders. The Commission appears to be overlooking these actions and her dereliction of duty," the letter stated. It concluded, "In light of the above, we request her immediate termination due to her illegal extension, and a new DGP should be appointed for Maharashtra to ensure free and fair elections in the state. Otherwise, we will be compelled to pursue further measures, including court action." (ANI)
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