Govt. goes ahead with process of appointing new Army Chief

The appointment of the next Army Chief had got mired in a controversy as BJP is strictly opposing it, questioning the “hurry” and insisting that the matter be left to the next government as there is still time left.  Earlier in the day, the EC sent a communication to the Defence Ministry giving the go-ahead.

The EC cited its March 27 order which makes it clear 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, sources said.

The EC, responding to a reference made by the Defence Ministry, said if the government wants, it can proceed with the process to appoint the next Chief of Army Staff, the sources added.

In the wake of strong opposition by BJP to the appointment of the next Army chief, the government had last week referred the matter to the Election Commission saying any decision will be taken only after getting its nod.