Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his disapproval of the committee responsible for recommending the next Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Gandhi criticized the current selection process, accusing it of being a mere formality to appoint a predetermined candidate. He raised concerns about the misuse of the CBI by the government to target political opponents, journalists, and critics, labeling it as “institutional capture.”
Gandhi highlighted the importance of the Leader of Opposition’s role in preventing such capture but claimed that the government has sidelined him from the process. He alleged that crucial information necessary for informed decision-making was deliberately withheld, including self-appraisal and “360-degree reports” of eligible candidates. The absence of these reports, Gandhi argued, hinders a fair assessment of candidates and undermines the integrity of the selection framework.
The letter also referenced past grievances, with Gandhi pointing out his previous dissent in meetings on May 5, 2025, and October 21, 2025. Despite proposing measures for a transparent process, Gandhi stated that his suggestions were ignored by the government. He criticized the government for treating the Leader of the Opposition’s role as a mere formality, leading him to record his dissent strongly and refuse to partake in what he deemed a biased exercise.
