Mon Nov 04 11:12:26 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla Transferred Amidst Election Concerns

**Mumbai, November 4, 2024:** The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the immediate transfer of Maharashtra’s Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla, following complaints from political parties regarding her alleged involvement in phone tapping of opposition leaders. The ECI’s decision has been welcomed by opposition parties, including the NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Congress.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar stated that it was inappropriate to keep Shukla in the position and called the ECI’s move a positive development. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray also expressed support for the decision.

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole, who had previously filed complaints against Shukla, questioned the delay in the ECI’s action and urged the commission to ensure she is not assigned any election-related duties. Patole alleged that Shukla had received an illegal two-year extension from the BJP-led government for their electoral benefit.

The ECI has directed the Maharashtra Chief Secretary to transfer Shukla’s charge to the next senior-most IPS officer and to submit a panel of three IPS officers for consideration as the new DGP by Tuesday afternoon. The Mumbai police commissioner has been given the additional charge of the post until a new DGP is appointed.

Meanwhile, regarding Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange’s decision to withdraw his candidature from the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, Pawar stated that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) had no involvement in Jarange’s decision. He welcomed Jarange’s decision, stating that it could have indirectly benefited the BJP if he had continued his campaign.

The Maharashtra assembly elections are scheduled for November 20.

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