Mumbai, Oct 7 (PTI) The Congress has requested the Election Commission of India to review the “politically motivated” appointment of Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla and the service extension granted to her, saying this could potentially influence the electoral process.
This is the second letter written by state Congress chief Nana Patole to the poll body over the last ten days. In his previous communication, Patole had sought the immediate removal of Shukla to ensure that assembly elections are conducted in a free and fair manner.
Patole stated that the two-year extension granted to Shukla violated the Maharashtra Police Act.
Shukla was appointed as the Director General of Police in January 2024. According to Congress, Shukla was due to retire on 30th June 2024, upon reaching the age of superannuation. However, she has been illegally granted an extension until January 2026.
“The timing of the extension granted to Shukla, coming so close to upcoming elections, also raises suspicions. Opposition parties have alleged that this decision was politically motivated, potentially influencing the electoral process,” Patole stated.
He urged the ECI to take immediate action and review Shukla’s appointment and extension to ensure that laws and principles governing such appointments are strictly adhered to.
“This is not only essential for the integrity of Maharashtra’s police force but also for the future of police governance across India,” Patole demanded.
He alleged that the service extension granted to Shukla erodes confidence in the fairness and impartiality of government actions, particularly when critical law enforcement positions are involved.
“The extension to Rashmi Shukla’s tenure beyond her original retirement date is in clear violation of the Maharashtra Police Act, which mandates a two-year tenure for the DGP, provided they are not due for retirement during this period.
“By extending her tenure past the retirement date, the government has disregarded this critical provision, raising concerns about adherence to the rule of law,” Patole stated in his letter.
He further said the state government’s argument to justify the service extension citing the Supreme Court’s Prakash Singh judgement was misleading.
The Congress leader alleged that such “dangerous precedents” could have ramifications across India as they bypass the established norms of the UPSC.
“The process surrounding extending Rashmi Shukla’s tenure lacks transparency, raising questions about the government’s motivations. The decision appears to have been rushed, with little clarity or due consideration given to legal standards and public accountability,” he stated in the letter.
Elections to the 288-member House in Maharashtra are likely to be held in November. PTI MR NSK
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