With the announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha election dates, the Election Commission has sprung into action, removing UP’s Home Secretary just yesterday. In the wake of this decision, there is a mounting call to remove the DGP and ADG (STF) as well. This appeal is being spearheaded by Amitabh Thakur, a prominent former IPS officer in Uttar Pradesh.
Amitabh Thakur, a former IPS officer and the national president of the Azad Adhikar Sena, has penned a letter to the Election Commission advocating for the dismissal of UP DGP Prashant Kumar and ADG STF Amitabh Yash.
Thakur has alleged that these officers have become mere tools of the current government, accused of misusing power for a considerable time while acting on government whims. He insists that these officers have been pivotal in establishing a police regime in Uttar Pradesh and taking actions against opposition figures, casting doubt on the possibility of fair Lok Sabha elections if they continue in their roles.
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Thakur further emphasized that the mere removal of Principal Secretary Sanjay Prasad is insufficient for fair elections. He argues that the immediate dismissal of DGP Prashant Kumar and ADG STF Amitabh Yash is crucial, which is why a letter demanding their removal has been sent to the Election Commission.
Election Commission's Decisive Action
Notably, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission has taken stringent measures, ordering the removal of home secretaries across six states. This includes Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, alongside directing the replacement of the DGP in West Bengal.
The Lok Sabha Election 2024 has officially been flagged off across the nation. The elections will be conducted in seven phases, with results set for June 4. The first round of voting is scheduled for April 19. The electoral process will span over 43 days countrywide, culminating in the formation of a new government on June 4. The polling dates are as follows: April 19 for the first phase, April 26 for the second, May 7 for the third, May 13 for the fourth, May 20 for the fifth, May 25 for the sixth, and June 1 for the seventh phase.
