Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday strongly objected to the ongoing process for selecting the next director of the Central Bureau of Investigation, alleging that the procedure lacked transparency and meaningful consultation.
During a high-powered committee meeting chaired by Narendra Modi, Gandhi submitted a formal dissent note, stating that he could not support what he described as a “biased exercise” in the appointment process.
‘Leader Of Opposition Is Not A Rubber Stamp’
In his written objection, Gandhi argued that key information regarding shortlisted candidates had not been shared with him, limiting the ability of the selection committee to conduct a proper evaluation.
“By denying the Selection Committee crucial information, the government has reduced it to a mere formality. The Leader of Opposition is not a rubber stamp,” Gandhi stated in the note.
He further added, “I cannot abdicate my constitutional duty by participating in this biased exercise. I, therefore, dissent in the strongest terms.”
The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s official residence and included Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as part of the statutory selection panel.
Rahul Gandhi Raises Concerns Over CBI Functioning
The Congress MP also accused the Centre of allegedly using the investigative agency against opposition figures and critics.
“Your government has repeatedly misused the CBI, intended to be India’s premier investigative agency, to target political opponents, journalists and critics,” Gandhi wrote in his dissent communication addressed to the Prime Minister.
He maintained that the inclusion of the Leader of Opposition in the committee was intended to prevent institutional imbalance and ensure accountability in appointments.
Congress Leader Claims Candidate Reports Were Not Shared
According to Gandhi, despite repeated requests, the government did not provide him with self-appraisal documents or detailed evaluation records of officers being considered for the post.
He argued that access to such records was essential to assess the professional background, integrity and performance of eligible candidates before finalising a recommendation.
The Congress leader also referred to previous concerns raised during an earlier committee meeting last year and said suggestions sent to the Prime Minister regarding a more transparent appointment process had not received any response.
Decision On New CBI Director Expected Soon
The selection committee is tasked with recommending the successor to current CBI Director Praveen Sood, whose tenure is scheduled to conclude on May 24.
