Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla Transferred Ahead of Assembly Elections

Maharashtra’s Director General of Police (DGP), Rashmi Shukla, has been transferred just days before the state’s upcoming assembly elections. Shukla, who has faced allegations related to a phone-tapping case, was moved after the Congress party insisted on her transfer, expressing concerns about fair elections. The Election Commission (EC) responded by ordering her transfer, following a formal complaint from Congress, which questioned the integrity of the electoral process under her leadership.

The Chief Secretary has since initiated steps to appoint a new DGP, including issuing a call for a panel of three senior IPS officers, with a deadline to submit these candidates by November 5. This action follows the EC’s directive that her successor should be the senior-most IPS officer until a permanent DGP is selected. Last week, after the election code of conduct took effect, the state transferred 28 police officers, further emphasizing the importance of impartiality in the lead-up to elections.

Congress state president Nana Patole was a vocal critic of Shukla’s continued service, especially given that her tenure had officially ended in June 2024. Patole argued that her extension, granted until January 2026 under the BJP-led coalition government, was unlawful. He also accused Shukla of controversial actions, including alleged intimidation of opposition leaders, which he claimed undermined her credibility as a fair administrator.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized the need for neutrality among key officials to ensure a fair and transparent election process. This transfer aligns with the EC’s broader efforts to promote impartiality during the state assembly elections, which are scheduled for November 20, with results to be announced on November 23.

Maharashtra’s voter base includes roughly 9.63 crore people, making it one of India’s most significant states in terms of electoral turnout. The transfer of DGP Shukla and the reassignment of other police officers highlight the EC’s commitment to maintaining a level playing field as the state prepares for an important electoral exercise.