New Delhi, April 25 (IANS): BJP leader Subramanian Swamy Friday appealed to President Pranab Mukherjee to not approve the appointment of the new army chief, arguing that this will "politicise" the office of the army chief and "demoralise" the armed forces.
"The timing of this proposed announcement will, inter alia, ensure the chief of the army staff (COAS) office is politicised and the armed forces demoralised," Swamy said in a letter to the president.
He further explained his objection, noting: "The present government's endeavour to announce the next COAS is in direct contravention to the established convention, both in terms of time frame and also with regards to certain ongoing investigations that are currently before the judicial system."
Swamy's objections come at a time when the defence ministry is reportedly considering the name of Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag as the next army chief.