Election Commission Orders Immediate Transfer of Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla
Reported by Tikam Shekhawat
New Delhi/Mumbai, 4th November 2024: In a significant move following complaints from the Indian National Congress (INC) and other political parties, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the immediate transfer of Rashmi Shukla, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra. The Chief Secretary has been instructed to assign her responsibilities to the next senior-most Indian Police Service (IPS) officer in the cadre.
Additionally, the Chief Secretary is required to submit a panel of three IPS officers for the appointment of the new DGP by November 5, 2024, at 1 PM.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had previously emphasized the importance of impartiality among officials during the assembly elections. In review meetings leading up to the election, Kumar warned that officials must not only act fairly but also be perceived as non-partisan in their duties.
The election process commenced with the official notification issued on October 22, following the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct on October 15. Nominations were scrutinized on October 30, and the deadline for withdrawal of nominations today marks a crucial step before the official campaigns intensify. Voting is scheduled for November 20, with the counting of votes to take place on November 23.
