The Election Commission will take a call next week on the issue of appointment of new Army Chief amidst reports that the electoral watchdog may ask the Government to put the appointment on hold till after the polls.
The Defence Ministry had referred the issue of naming Army chief General Bikram Singh’s successor to the Election Commission earlier this week and it said here on Saturday the top brass will meet on Monday or Tuesday next to study the matter. The BJP had also raised objections to the Government’s move to appoint the new Chief during the ongoing electoral process and submitted a memorandum in this regard.
An Election Commission official said, “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). The meeting could take place on Monday or Tuesday where the matter would be considered.” His assertion came on day when some reports indicated that the Election Commission was likely to ask the Government to appoint the Chief after May 16 as it felt the Government’s “urgency” was not justified.
According to convention, the new Chief is appointed at least two months prior to the retirement of incumbent Chief and Bikram Singh is due to retire on July 31. Reports said the Election Commission felt that the decision to name the incoming Chief can wait for some more weeks and let the new Government appoint him.
However, an Election Commission order dated March 27 said recruitment, selection, besides procurement and other operational matters related to defence are not covered by the Model Code of Conduct. The order also said this directive will be applicable for this election and all future elections.
When asked about likely date for announcement of the next Army Chief, Defence Minister AK Antony had said here, on Friday, he had referred the issue to the Election Commission. “We want to strictly follow all the procedures before taking any final decision on the issue,” he had said.
Vice-Chief lt General Dalbir Singh Suhag is the front-runner for the top job and if the Election Commission gives the go-ahead, the Defence Ministry will send the file to the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by the Prime Minister for the final nod.
Incidentally, Bikram Singh’s name was announced three months before then Army Chief General VK Singh’s retirement and he was also appointed for the top post more than two months before then incumbent Deepak Kapoor’s retirement. Moreover, NDA Government appointed Navy Chief Arun Prakash days before demitting office in 2004.