CPI(M) questions appointment of new army chief

"The appointment has been done bypassing established convention of the senior most General assuming the post. The Modi government's departure from this precedent has raised questions about its intent and motivation.

"The Army should not be subject to any political interference," CPI(M) Politburo said in a statement.

The government had last week appointed Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Bipin Rawat as the new army chief, superseding his two senior officers, Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi and Southern Army Command chief Lt Gen P M Hariz.