November 4, 2024: In a significant move just ahead of the upcoming elections, the Election Commission of India has removed Maharashtra's Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla from her post, following serious allegations from the Congress party. The opposition has accused Shukla of exhibiting a "clear bias" against them and engaging in illegal phone tapping.

The decision comes just days after Congress leaders, including Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole, formally requested her removal in a letter addressed to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. Patole's correspondence highlighted concerns about Shukla's conduct, asserting that her actions undermined the impartiality expected from the state's top police official.

The Election Commission has instructed Maharashtra's chief secretary to transition Shukla's responsibilities to the next senior-most IPS officer in the state. Furthermore, the chief secretary has been ordered to submit a panel of three candidates for the DGP position by Tuesday afternoon.

Patole reiterated the party's stance in a previous letter dated October 4, noting that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP(SP), had formally raised concerns during a briefing with the Election Commission on September 27.

The removal of DGP Shukla marks a critical juncture in the lead-up to the elections, reflecting the heightened tensions between the ruling party and opposition factions. As the political landscape in Maharashtra continues to evolve, all eyes will be on the newly appointed DGP and the role they will play in ensuring free and fair elections.