Reacting to Eastern Command chief lt General Praveen Bakshi’s reported remarks that some people within the Army were maligning him and the officer will expose them, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said if Bakshi comes to him with formal information, he will help him and probe the issue.
Bakshi, who was superseded and Rawat was selected as the new Army chief, made these remarks during his address to his troops on December 31. However, he extended full support to Rawat, who is at least a year junior to him and even called him up to congratulate that day when the new Chief assumed charge that day.
Refraining from answering any question about his selection for the top job, Rawat said it was up to the government to take this decision adding “I am not privy to the government's selection process.” He also said both the officers have reached out to each other a couple of time since Rawat took over. Also, Bakshi assured of full support “to the hilt,” Rawat remarked. The Eastern Command chief also informed Rawat that in his address to troops he had mentioned the same thing about support to Rawat, the new chief said.
Bakshi had proceeded on one month leave till January 26 but reported for duty on Friday at his office in Kolkata-based Eastern Command.