Rahul Gandhi promises to end ‘discriminatory system’ in CAPF leadership

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday (April 9, 2026) said his party, the Indian National Congress, would dismantle the “discriminatory system” that allegedly denies personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) opportunities to rise to top leadership positions, and ensure they receive their “full rights and privileges” when they return to power.

Marking the Valour Day of the Central Reserve Police Force, Mr. Gandhi paid tribute to CAPF personnel for safeguarding the country and confronting threats ranging from terrorism to Left-wing extremism.

“Your courage and sacrifice safeguard our nation every single day. Stationed at our borders, you keep the country secure; you confront the threats of terrorism and Naxalism; and you ensure that the greatest festival of democracy our elections remains peaceful and safe,” the Congress leader said in a post on social media platform X.

However, he argued that “a true tribute consists of more than just words”.

“Despite years of sacrifice and arduous service, CAPF personnel receive neither timely promotions nor the right to lead their own force simply because the top leadership positions are reserved for individuals from outside the organisation,” Mr. Gandhi said.

He said personnel within the forces possess “specialised training, invaluable ground-level experience, and deep strategic insight”, and maintained that, in the interest of national security, such forces should be led by officers drawn from within the system.

Calling it an issue of “justice and dignity”, Mr. Gandhi said long-pending concerns over promotions, pay, welfare and leadership opportunities had undermined morale within the forces. “Upon forming the government, we will dismantle this discriminatory system and ensure that CAPF personnel are granted their full rights and privileges,” he said.

His remarks come days after Parliament cleared a Bill aimed at creating a unified legal framework governing personnel across different CAPFs, replacing the current set of separate service-rule regimes. Several Opposition members had demanded that the legislation be referred to a joint parliamentary committee for wider consultations with personnel and officers.

Earlier, Mr. Gandhi had alleged that the government was seeking to “legally perpetuate discrimination” against CAPF personnel through the legislation and said the Congress would repeal the “discriminatory law” when it comes to power.