Controversy over IPS Rashmi Shukla's meeting with Devendra Fadnavis
The congress on monday demanded the election commission to take action against IPS officer rashmi Shukla for allegedly violating the model code of conduct by meeting deputy chief minister devendra fadnavis during the maharashtra assembly elections. congress chief spokesperson Atul Londhe claimed that Shukla met state home minister fadnavis when the model code of conduct was in force.
Indian police Service (IPS) officer Shukla allegedly met fadnavis at his official residence on the evening of november 23, the day the counting of votes was taking place.
Earlier this month, the election commission directed the maharashtra government to transfer director General of police rashmi Shukla with immediate effect after complaints from other political parties including the Congress. The election commission directed the Chief Secretary of maharashtra to hand over Shukla's charge to the next most senior IPS officer of the cadre.
Speaking to reporters, Londhe said, "Rashmi Shukla met the state home minister when the model code of conduct was in force, which is clearly a violation. The election commission should take serious note of this and take immediate action against her." He cited a similar incident in Telangana, where a DGP and a senior official met a minister during the elections and the election commission took immediate action against them. He said, "Why is the election commission quick to take action in non-BJP states but seems to turn a blind eye to such violations in BJP-ruled states. This raises serious questions." Referring to the previous allegations against Shukla, Londhe said, "There are many serious allegations against Shukla, including phone tapping of opposition leaders. The congress had demanded his removal from the post of DGP during the elections and he was removed. Although the results of the assembly elections have been declared, the model code of conduct was in force when she met the state home minister and this is a clear violation." He said the election commission should ensure accountability and take immediate action against Shukla for violating the code of conduct.