Controversy Erupts Over Allegations of Bias in Maharashtra Police Ahead of Elections

Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Sanjay Raut alleges Maharashtra police bias under DGP Rashmi Shukla, compromising fair elections. Congress and allies demand her removal due to perceived favoritism towards BJP. Concerns rise as political violence escalates against opposition, highlighting potential bias ahead of key assembly polls.

In a heated escalation ahead of Maharashtra's pivotal Assembly elections, Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed grave concerns over the neutrality of the state police force. On Friday, Raut accused Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla of being unduly influenced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), suggesting her leadership could undermine electoral fairness.

Raut claimed that Shukla's prior actions, including alleged phone tapping during government formations in 2019, compromised opposition parties, including Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP. This outcry coincides with Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole's plea to the Chief Election Commissioner for Shukla's removal, citing a pattern of bias and political violence aimed at opposition leaders.

Patole's letter drew attention to leniency in Shukla's case compared to the swift replacement of Jharkhand's police chief following model code enforcement. With Maharashtra's elections looming, concerns of escalating violence further underscore the contentious atmosphere, as opponents stress the potential for compromised democratic processes.

(With inputs from agencies.)