CAPF: Rahul Gandhi slams govt over injustice to paramilitary personnel

The Leader of Opposition said in a video statement that Congress stands with paramilitary forces and will protect them.

New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused the government of "legally perpetuating" injustice on paramilitary personnel through a Bill that institutionalised IPS officers' deputation that impacts their promotions and vowed to repeal the "discriminatory law" when his party comes to power.

On a day Parliament cleared the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, Rahul said in a video statement that Congress stands with paramilitary forces and will protect them.

He said he wanted to speak on the bill in Lok Sabha and his request to the government to make adjustments as he was touring Assam was declined as it "does not want me to speak on this in Parliament".

He recalled his recent meeting with Assistant Commandant Ajay Malik, who had lost one leg in an IED blast during a Naxalite encounter, and said "despite over 15 years of loyal service -- no promotion, not even the right to lead his own force. Because all top positions are reserved for IPS officers. This is not just one officer's pain -- it is institutional injustice happening to millions of CAPF personnel."

Rahul said paramilitary personnel were against discrimination and the Supreme Court itself has questioned the system, but the current government is "bent on legally perpetuating this injustice".

"This bill is not just an attempt to halt one career - it's an effort to break the morale of those who form the country's first line of defense. And when their morale breaks, the foundation of national security shakes," he said.

"We honour paramilitary jawans not just in words, but in policies. Congress's clear promise is  that as soon as our government comes to power, this discriminatory law will be repealed. Because those who fight for the country must have the right to leadership," he said.

He said he has worked with paramilitary forces for over 20 years as they look after his security while emphasising that they have specific skills which are valuable and the leadership should be given to a person who has those skills.

Posting the video on 'X', he said paramilitary personnels deployed on the borders, they take on terrorism and naxalism, they secure the festivals of democracy but when it comes to their rights and respect, the system turns its face away.

Earlier in the day, Congress Whip Manickam Tagore said a crucial bill affecting the rights and dignity of paramilitary personnel is being hurried into Lok Sabha, timed exactly when the Leader of Opposition is scheduled to be in Assam for pre-planned election rallies.

"Rallies that were announced well in advance. Preparations already completed. Public meetings lined up. And suddenly, the Bill is listed for Today. Why this rush? Why avoid a full and fair debate? Why deny the Leader of Opposition the opportunity to speak on an issue impacting our jawans?" he posted on 'X'.

"This is not a coincidence. This is calculated parliamentary management. A government confident of its decisions does not fear debate. A government committed to justice does not rush legislation in the absence of dissenting voices," he added.