In a controversial move, the Maharashtra government reinstated IPS officer Rashmi Shukla as the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) following the conclusion of the election code of conduct. This decision has sparked sharp criticism from opposition parties, who allege bias and procedural violations.
The Election Commission (EC) removed Shukla, a 1988-batch IPS officer known for her contentious tenure, earlier this month after Congress and other opposition parties filed complaints against her. They accused her of phone tapping and partisan behavior during her time heading the state intelligence department. Following her removal, Sanjay Kumar Verma served as interim DGP until Shukla’s reappointment on November 25, 2024.
Her reinstatement came after a reported meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also oversees the Home Department, raising concerns about a potential breach of the Model Code of Conduct. Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe condemned this meeting, stating, “The EC must act against such violations to ensure trust in the system.” Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) also criticized the government, alleging misuse of police machinery during elections.
The Election Commission clarified that the Model Code ended once the election results were declared, which paved the way for Shukla’s reappointment. However, opposition leaders have accused the EC of double standards, citing swift action in non-BJP-ruled states while allegedly overlooking violations in Maharashtra.
Controversies have riddled Shukla’s career, with authorities filing three FIRs against her in 2022 over allegations of unauthorized phone tapping. The BJP-led Mahayuti government later closed these cases after coming to power. Despite the backlash, Shukla has resumed her role, becoming Maharashtra’s first female DGP, marking a contentious new chapter in the state’s administration.
This reinstatement underscores ongoing tensions between state authorities and opposition parties, raising questions about governance and impartiality during politically sensitive times.
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