NCP's Jitendra Awhad Criticizes EC's Role in DGP Transfer

By A Staff Reporter

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Jitendra Awhad has raised concerns about the recent transfer of Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla, a move ordered by the Election Commission (EC) ahead of the state’s assembly elections. Addressing the media, Awhad questioned the EC's authority to intervene in the matter, suggesting it was influenced by political motives. “We raised what was legally appropriate regarding Rashmi Shukla; we did not make any personal remarks,” he said. “The Election Commission, which has turned into their puppet, had earlier stated they did not hold the authority on this matter, that it was within the state government's jurisdiction. Now, how did they suddenly gain this power?” Awhad remarked.

The decision to transfer Shukla has sparked criticism among leaders in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), who argue that the EC’s actions unfairly favor the ruling BJP-led coalition. Opposition leaders view the move as part of a broader trend where independent institutions appear to act in the interests of the central government. Awhad’s remarks align with this sentiment, reflecting the MVA’s doubts about the EC’s impartiality.

In addition to his critique of the EC, Awhad confidently projected a victory for the Maha Vikas Aghadi in the Maharashtra assembly elections. He went a step further to predict a shift in national politics, suggesting that PM Narendra Modi’s government may lose crucial support from key allies. “We will be winning the Maharashtra elections, and by February, the Modi-led government will collapse as Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar withdraw their support,” he asserted.