Karti Chidambaram writes to PM Modi opposing CAPF Amendment Bill

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram wrote to PM Modi opposing the CAPF Amendment Bill, 2026. He claims it entrenches deputation, weakens command structures, and causes 'institutional erosion', urging for consultations with CAPF officers.

Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram wrote a formal letter to Prime Minister Narendra on Thurday expressing strong dissent against the proposed Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, citing concerns over the future of the nation's paramilitary 'command structures.'

Chidambaram Warns of 'Institutional Erosion'

Chidambaram, in a post on X, wrote, "I have written to the Honourable PM Thiru Narendra Modi expressing strong opposition to the CAPF Amendment Bill. Instead of addressing long-standing cadre stagnation, it entrenches deputation, sidelines experienced officers, and weakens command structures."

The post further read, "This risks morale, operational efficiency, and even politicisation of forces meant to remain apolitical. Our CAPFs deserve fair career progression, institutional respect, and leadership rooted in ground experience, not systemic exclusion."

"This is not reform, it is a slow institutional erosion. I have asked the government for a meaningful consultation with the CAPF officers to ensure a comprehensive legislation," the post added.

Bill's Provisions and Legislative Status

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha is scheduled to take up the CAPF (General Administration) Bill, 2026, after it was passed in the Upper House of Parliament.

The Bill provides for fifty per cent of posts in the CAPFs to be filled by deputation in the rank of Inspector General, and a minimum of sixty-seven per cent of the posts to be filled by deputation in the rank of Additional Director General, and all posts in the ranks of Special Director General and Director General shall be filled by deputation only.

As Union Minister Amit Shah is expected to be in West Bengal ahead of state elections, MoS Home Nityanand Rai is likely to move the Bill in the House.

Opposition Flags Legal and Procedural Issues

On Wednesday, the CAPF Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha amid a walkout staged by the Opposition.

The Opposition MPs had flagged that the Bill goes against the Supreme Court judgment in 2025, which called for "the number of posts earmarked for deputation in the cadres of the CAPFs upto the level of Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) should be progressively reduced over a period of time, say within an outer limit of two years."

Earlier today, Congress MP Manickam Tagore questioned the timing of the CAPF Bill in the Lok Sabha, alleging that the Centre planned to introduce the Bill on the day when Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Assam for his pre-planned election rally. (ANI)

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