Election Commission, EC, will consider the issue of the appointment of the next Army Chief at a meeting next week. An EC official told AIR that the Commission has received a reference from the Defence Ministry and the issue is under examination but no decision has been taken so far. He said, the meeting could take place on Monday or Tuesday where the matter would be considered.

The poll panel will consider the matter in the light of its March 2014 order that appointments, promotions, tenders and procurements of defence forces are not covered under the Model Code of Conduct in the ongoing elections.

Amid opposition by BJP to the appointment of the next Army Chief, the Centre had referred the matter to the Commission and said any decision will be taken only after its approval.

Earlier, Defence Minister AK Antony had said that the matter is before the Commission and government will strictly follow all the procedures before taking any final decision on the issue.

Army Vice Chief Lt Gen Dalbir Singh is the front-runner for the top post, which will fall vacant on 31st of July after the retirement of present Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh.