Army chief appointment issue under examination: EC
Matter to be considered in the light of 27 March order that appointments, tenders, procurements and promotions of defence forces are not covered under model code
New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday said that it was yet to take a decision on the issue of the next army chief’s appointment. “The matter is under examination," chief election commissioner (CEC) V.S. Sampath said.
Amid the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) strong opposition to the government going ahead with the process of appointing the next army chief, the Centre had referred the matter to EC, saying a decision will be taken only after getting its nod.
The matter was sent to EC by the defence ministry last week though the poll panel has already said that appointments, promotions, tenders and procurements are not covered under the model code of conduct in the ongoing elections as well as any other election in the future.
EC sources said the poll panel will consider the matter in the light of its 27 March order that appointments, promotions, tenders and procurements of defence forces are not covered under the model code as well as complaints from the BJP that the government was rushing with the appointment of the next army chief.
The BJP has contended that the next army chief’s appointment should be left to the new government that will assume office after the 16 May results.
Army vice-chief Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag is the frontrunner for appointment to the top post which will fall vacant on 31 July after the retirement of present army chief Lt Gen Bikram Singh.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!