Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 16 : Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole on Saturday wrote to the state Governor CP Radhakrishnan and chief election commissioner and raised objection over the potential reappointment of IPS Rashmi Shukla as Director General of Police (DGP) of the state.
"I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the potential reappointment of Rashmi Shukla as the Director General of Police, Maharashtra, and to formally objects to any such move. Despite this issue being brought to the attention of the Election Commission of India (ECI) multiple times, no concrete action has been taken, leaving us with no choice but to escalate this matter to your office," Nana Patole wrote in a letter to Maharashtra Governor.
Patole alleged that Shukla's appointment was "fundamentally flawed" as it violated the apex court's directive requiring a minimum remaining service period of six months for DGP appointments.
"Shukla's initial appointment on 4th January 2024 was fundamentally flawed as it violated the Supreme Court's directive requiring a minimum remaining service period of six months for DGP appointments, rendering the appointment void from the outset. Furthermore, the extension granted to her on 27th February 2024 was invalid as it lacked approval from the Central Government, contravened established service rules, and bypassed the mandatory consultation process with the Union Public Service Commission," the letter read.
"Additionally, the ECI's order dated 5th November 2024, which unequivocally directed her removal and replacement, remains unheeded. The ECI's directive was clear and unconditional, yet any potential move to reinstate her would amount to a direct violation of the ECI's constitutional authority under Article 324, contempt of the Supreme Court's guidelines in the Prakash Singh case, and a breach of established administrative protocols," it added.
He further accused Shukla of having a tenure marred with internal unrest and strained relations with senior police officers.
"Her tenure has been marred by significant unrest within the police force, strained relationships with senior officers, multiple complaints about arbitrary decision-making, and questions regarding her physical fitness to perform her duties effectively," the letter read.
"Moreover, there are ongoing investigations into serious allegations, including illegal phone tapping of opposition leaders, misuse of official positions, and political bias in police administration. These unresolved issues further underscore the inappropriateness of considering her reappointment," it added.
Campaigning in Maharashtra has intensified as both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) vie for voters' support.
The Maharashtra Assembly elections will take place on November 20, votes will be counted on November 23.