New Delhi: The Election Commission today said it will consider the issue of the appointment of the next Army chief at a meeting of its top brass next week.
“We have received a reference from the Defence Ministry and the issue is under examination. But no decision has been taken so far. The matter has so far not been placed on the agenda of the ‘full commission' (the Chief Election Commissioner and the two Election Commissioners),” a senior EC official told PTI here.
“The meeting could take place on Monday or Tuesday where the matter would be considered,” the official said.
The poll panel will consider the matter in the light of its March 27 order that appointments, promotions, tenders and procurements of defence forces are not covered under the Model Code of Conduct in the ongoing elections as well as any other election in the future as well as complaints from BJP that the government was rushing with the appointment of the next Chief of Army Staff.
Amid strong opposition by the BJP to the appointment of the next Army chief, the Government had referred the matter to the Election Commission saying any decision will be taken only after getting its nod.
“The matter is before the Election Commission. We want to strictly follow all the procedures before taking any final decision on the issue,” Defence Minister AK Antony had said yesterday when asked about the status of appointing the next Army chief.
