LUCKNOW: It is now six days since the retirement of General G.S. Grewal, GOC-in-C. Western Command. But the Central Government is yet to announce the new incumbent for the job.

The delay in replacing General Grewal is causing concern in army circles as it is for the first time in post independent India that the most important operational command along the international border is without a full-time head.

What is probably more intriguing is the fact that Lt.Gen.S.C.Mankotla, who is at present officiating as head of the Western Command, is also retiring on August 31. This has left the government in a tight spot.

According to normal practice, the Defence Ministry proposes the name to the Prime Minister’s office and when the latter gives its nod these names are announced. Often the announcement is made barely 24 hours before a GOC-in-C retires, so as to keep everyone guessing.

In the present case, it is believed that the concemed file is tied up in red tape. Another probable reason for the delay in the replacement is that Lt Gen G.L,Bakshi, the senior-most army officer after Gen Grewal, sent a representation to the government in which he has clearly spelt out his fears of being superseded by Gen S.F.Rodrigues, who is reportedly known for his bias against the infantry.

Preoccupied with the fall out of the Stocks Scam and the Ayodhya imbroglio, the Center has till now ignored the entre issue. Almost five days have passed without the Western Command having a full time head.

The Army grapevine is buzzing with speculation, The name of Lt Gen BC Joshi GOC-in-C Southern Command, is figuring prominently as the likely successor to Gen Grewal. Highly placed sources are of the opinion that Lt Gen Joshi may take over by August 15.

Lt Gen Kalkat, who was earlier commanding the JPKF, and is at present commanding the Army Training Command   how is likely to replace Lt Gen Joshi. This will clear the way for Gen Bakshi who may take the place of Gen Kalkat. Gen S.R .Chowdhary, the Corp Commander in the Northern Army and Gen J.Mahmud, the Corp Commander in the Eastern Amy are also in the race.

Article extracted from this publication >> Aug 21, 1992