New Delhi, April 2 (IANS) Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, on Thursday drew attention to the sacrifice of CRPF Assistant Commandant Ajay Malik, who lost a leg in a Maoist IED blast in Jharkhand after more than 15 years of service, using the case to highlight what he described as stalled career progression and denial of leadership roles for non-IPS officers in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

Malik, an officer of the elite 209 CoBRA Battalion, lost his leg in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion during an anti-Maoist operation in Jharkhand.

Gandhi criticised what he termed an institutional bias that reserves senior leadership positions for Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, despite CAPF personnel being deployed on the frontlines in border security, counter-Naxal operations, and election duties.

He also referred to scrutiny by the Supreme Court and voiced opposition to the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026.

The remarks came a day after the Rajya Sabha passed the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, which formalises IPS deputation in top CAPF leadership. The legislation reserves 50 per cent of Inspector General (IG) posts, 67 per cent of Additional Director General (ADG) posts, and 100 per cent of Special DG and DG posts for IPS officers.

In a post on X, Gandhi shared a video of his interaction with the injured CRPF officer and said, “Assistant Commandant Ajay Malik Ji lost one leg in an IED blast during a Naxalite encounter — he staked everything for the nation’s defence. And what did he get in return for this sacrifice? 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. These jawans are deployed on the borders, they take on terrorism and Naxalism, they secure the festivals of democracy – our elections. But when it comes to their rights and respect, the system turns its face away,” he added.

The Congress leader further claimed that even CAPF personnel themselves oppose the current structure.

“The Supreme Court has questioned this system. Yet, the current government is bent on legally perpetuating this injustice. This bill is not just an attempt to halt one career — it is an effort to break the morale of those who form the country’s first line of defence. And when their morale breaks, the foundation of national security shakes,” he said.

“We honour CAPF jawans not just in words, but in policies. Congress’s clear promise is — as soon as our government comes to power, this discriminatory law will be repealed. Because those who fight for the nation must have the right to leadership,” Gandhi added.

–IANS

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