In a fresh demand that has added fuel to Maharashtra?s political fire, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole has urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to remove Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla ahead of the state?s November 20 assembly elections. Patole expressed concerns over Shukla?s alleged bias toward the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and questioned her role in ensuring fair and transparent polls.

In his letter to the ECI, Patole labeled Shukla as a ?controversial officer? with a history of favoring the BJP, alleging that her continued presence as DGP could compromise the integrity of the upcoming elections. ?If DGP Shukla continues in office, it would raise doubts about the transparency and fairness of the election process,? Patole stated in his letter.

The Congress leader highlighted that while the ECI had dismissed Congress' appeals to remove Shukla, it had agreed to similar requests from the BJP in opposition-ruled states such as West Bengal and poll-bound Jharkhand. On September 27, during the visit of Election Commission officials to Mumbai, a Congress delegation formally requested Shukla's removal, accusing her of selectively targeting opposition leaders and misusing her position to benefit the BJP. The Congress letter stated that Shukla had been involved in ?filing cases against opposition leaders, obstructing opposition members and activists, and deploying pressure tactics.?

The Congress also raised concerns over allegations that Shukla had authorized phone tapping of opposition leaders. They pointed out that cases have reportedly been filed against Shukla over such actions, which, according to Patole, compromise her ability to oversee an impartial election process. In a subsequent letter, Patole reiterated his demand, questioning the ECI?s refusal to act on Congress? concerns.

With Maharashtra?s election season heating up, Patole?s demand underscores growing tensions between the Congress and the BJP. The ECI has yet to respond publicly to the latest call for Shukla?s removal, but the Congress is pressing forward, with Patole vowing to continue his efforts to ensure a level playing field as voters head to the polls on November 20.