Speculation about Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi taking premature retirement intensified on Wednesday after he went on leave. He has been superseded by Lt Gen Bipin Rawat, who will take over as the next Army Chief.
He had recently met Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, fueling speculation about his possible resignation.
Army sources, however, said Lt Gen Bakshi is on a pre-scheduled three-day leave and is expected to resume duties on 30 December, a day before Lt Gen Rawat takes over as the new Army Chief.
Lt Gen Rawat's appointment as the new Army Chief, superseding seniors Lt Gen Bakshi and Southern Army commander Lt Gen P M Hariz had also sparked a fierce political row between a section of the Opposition and the government.
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