Rahul Gandhi Slams “Opaque” CBI Chief Appointment Process

A fresh political controversy has erupted over the appointment of the next Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of turning the selection exercise into a “pre-determined and biased process.”

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi expressed strong dissent over the proceedings of the committee responsible for recommending the new CBI Director. He alleged that the government failed to share critical documents related to shortlisted candidates, thereby preventing meaningful scrutiny by members of the selection panel.

The Congress MP stated that he was denied access to self-appraisal documents and confidential “360-degree reports” of the officers under consideration. According to him, committee members were expected to assess dozens of candidates during the meeting itself without adequate time or complete information.

Gandhi further alleged that the CBI has increasingly been used as a political tool against opposition leaders and dissenting voices. He argued that the very purpose of including the Leader of Opposition in the appointment panel was to ensure checks and balances, but claimed the process had effectively sidelined him.

Describing the exercise as a “mere formality,” Gandhi said the government’s approach weakened institutional credibility and compromised transparency in one of the country’s most sensitive appointments. He also referred to his earlier objections and recommendations made in previous meetings, claiming that no corrective steps were taken.

The development is likely to sharpen the ongoing confrontation between the ruling BJP and the Congress over the functioning and independence of central investigative agencies.