Mumbai: Senior IPS officer Rashmi Shukla was reinstated as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra on Monday. Earlier, on November 4, she was temporarily transferred by the Election Commission of India (ECI) ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The poll body had instructed the state’s Chief Secretary to hand over her charge to the next senior-most IPS officer in the cadre. Following her transfer, IPS Sanjay Kumar Verma was appointed as the acting DGP.

Rashmi Shukla, a 1988 batch IPS officer, is the first woman to hold the position of Maharashtra DGP. Before this, she had served as the Commissioner of the State Intelligence Department. Her transfer during the elections was perceived as a temporary measure in light of the poll code of conduct.

In the recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Mahayuti Alliance achieved a landslide victory, winning 230 of the 288 assembly seats. As per the Election Commission’s announcement on Saturday, the BJP secured 132 seats, while its allies—the Shiv Sena faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the NCP faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar—bagged 57 and 41 seats, respectively.

Amid ongoing discussions about the next Chief Minister, current Deputy Chief Minister and two-time CM Devendra Fadnavis is seen as a strong contender for the post. Rashmi Shukla’s reappointment as DGP has added fuel to the speculation, given her perceived closeness to Fadnavis.

Meanwhile, the Congress party has demanded stringent action against Rashmi Shukla. On Monday, it approached the Election Commission, accusing her of violating the Model Code of Conduct by allegedly meeting Fadnavis during the elections. Congress’ chief spokesperson claimed that Shukla is involved in several serious allegations, including phone tapping of opposition leaders. The party had earlier demanded her removal during the elections, which was subsequently acted upon.

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday paid floral tributes to the bravehearts at the Martyrs Memorial in Mumbai on the 16th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar and state’s governor C P Radhakrishnan also paid tributes at the Martyrs’ Memorial on the premises of the Commissioner’s Office today.

Notably, at least 174 people, including 20 security force personnel and 26 foreigners, were killed and more than 300 injured in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008.

President Droupadi Murmu And Union Ministers Pay Their Tributes

Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu and several union ministers also paid tributes to the martyred security personnel who bravely fought against terrorists.

“A grateful nation salutes its valiant security personnel who made ultimate sacrifice while protecting our people. It is also the day to reiterate that India remains firmly committed to defeating terrorism in all its forms,” the X post by the President read.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also said that Terrorism is a blot on the entire human civilisation, calling India a world leader in anti-terrorism initiatives.

“Terrorism is a blot on the entire human civilization. The Modi government’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy against terrorism has been appreciated by the entire world and today India has become a world leader in anti-terrorism initiatives,” Amit Shah’s post on X said.

16th Anniversary Of The 26/11 Terror Attacks

Today is the 16th anniversary of the 26/11 attacks, a series of coordinated terror attacks at the Taj Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Leopold Cafe, Mumbai Chabad House, Nariman House, Cama Hospital and Metro Cinema by ten Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists.

The ten Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists came to Mumbai via the sea route from Pakistan and carried out the attacks.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has officially tendered his resignation. Accompanied by his deputies, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Shinde arrived at Raj Bhavan, the official residence of Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, on Tuesday morning to submit his resignation.

Accepting the resignation, Governor CP Radhakrishnan has requested Eknath Shinde to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister until a new government is formed in the state.

The speculation over the next chief minister continues. The Mahayuti Alliance secured a decisive win in the recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly elections, clinching 230 out of 288 seats. According to the Election Commission’s announcement on Saturday, the BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, while its allies—the Shiv Sena faction led by CM Eknath Shinde and the NCP faction headed by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar—won 57 and 41 seats, respectively.

Amid ongoing speculation about Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister, outgoing CM Eknath Shinde has reportedly appealed to his supporters not to gather at his official residence, ‘Varsha,’ in South Mumbai, to advocate for his continuation in the role.

In a social media message, Shinde remarked, “Following the resounding victory of the Mahayuti alliance, our government will once again take shape in the state. We contested the elections as a united grand alliance and remain united today.”

He further added, “I am deeply grateful for the love and support some people have shown by urging others to gather in Mumbai for me. However, I sincerely request everyone to refrain from assembling in my support in this manner.”