Congress objects to IPS officer's speech at event organised by Hindu right-wing organisation

Representational Image

The Maharashtra Congress on Thursday demanded an inquiry into a speech delivered by IPS officer Vishwas Nangare Patil at a Hindu Sammelan organised by the Sakal Hindu Samaj, alleging that his participation and remarks raised questions about political neutrality and compliance with the All India Services (Conduct) Rules.

The demand came after an undated video of Nangare Patil's speech at the event surfaced on social media and went viral. The senior IPS officer was appointed as the Nagpur Police Commissioner earlier this week.

The opposition party urged the state government to clarify whether the officer had obtained the mandatory permission before participating in the programme and whether his conduct complied with the service rules governing members of the All India Services.

Congress questions permission for participation

In a post on X, the Congress asked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, to clarify whether Nangare Patil had received prior approval from the government before addressing the event.

The party cited the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, claiming that IPS officers are required to obtain government permission before participating in such public programmes.

It sought to know whether the required permission had been granted and, if not, whether the state government intended to initiate disciplinary action against the officer.

Speech raises concerns over political neutrality

The Congress also objected to the contents of the speech, alleging that references to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Hindutva and RSS founder K.B. Hedgewar raised concerns about adherence to service conduct rules.

According to the party, members of the All India Services are expected to maintain political neutrality and conduct themselves in a manner befitting their office.

The Congress further argued that the Conduct Rules prohibit officers from associating with organisations involved in political activities and questioned whether addressing and praising an ideological organisation from its platform amounted to such an association.

Congress says issue concerns credibility of civil services

The opposition party said the matter extended beyond the conduct of an individual officer and had broader implications for public institutions.

According to the Congress, the issue concerns the credibility of the civil services, the constitutional principle of political neutrality and public confidence in the police administration.

In another post on X, the party stated that the primary responsibility of the police is to maintain law and order and not to publicly endorse organisations that, according to the Congress, have been accused of promoting social division.

Reference made to Nagpur posting

The Congress also referred to Nangare Patil's recent transfer as Nagpur Police Commissioner, making an apparent reference to the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in the city.

The party said the transfer had given the officer an opportunity to "directly serve those he is trying to please", in an apparent reference to the RSS headquarters located in Nagpur.