Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 2: Rahul Gandhi, leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, drew attention to the career struggles faced by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel, citing the case of Ajay Malik, an assistant commandant in the elite 209 CoBRA Battalion who lost a leg in an IED blast during an anti-Maoist operation in Jharkhand.

Gandhi criticised the institutional practice of reserving senior leadership posts in CAPF for Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, despite CAPF personnel being on the frontlines of border security, counter-Naxal operations, and election duties.

His remarks came a day after the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 was passed in the Rajya Sabha. The bill formalises IPS deputation in top CAPF roles, reserving 50% of Inspector General posts, 67% of Additional Director General posts, and all Special DG and DG positions for IPS officers.

On social media, Gandhi shared a video of his interaction with Malik, highlighting that despite over 15 years of service and severe sacrifice, the officer had not received promotion or leadership opportunities. Gandhi called this systemic bias “institutional injustice” affecting millions of CAPF personnel.

He added that the Supreme Court has questioned the current system, yet the government is “bent on legally perpetuating this injustice,” which he said undermines morale and, ultimately, national security. Gandhi promised that, under a Congress government, the discriminatory provisions would be repealed to ensure frontline personnel have access to leadership roles.

Gandhi’s intervention underscores ongoing debates over CAPF career progression, leadership rights, and the balance between IPS officers and other ranks in India’s paramilitary structure.