Will continue to lead Eastern Command, says Lt. Gen. Bakshi

Indian Army's Eastern Command chief Lt. Gen. Praveen Bakshi on Saturday squashed speculation about his resignation, and called up to congratulate General Bipin Rawat as the latter took charge as the new Army chief.

"Lt. Gen. Praveen Bakshi today (Saturday) greeted all ranks of the Army's Eastern Command on New Year Eve. Speaking to officers, he put to rest all speculation about his resignation by stating that he will continue to lead Eastern Command with full professional sincerity hithertofore," an official statement said.

"I convey my best wishes and full support of the Eastern Command to Gen. Bipin Rawat on having taken over as the Chief of Army Staff," Lt. Gen. Bakshi said.

The Lieutenant General -- one of the top Army Generals to be superseded in the selection of the new Army chief to succeed General Dalbir Singh on the latter's retirement on December 31 -- requested that "speculations and trolling in the media and social media should stop and everyone should focus on contributing their best to the betterment of the Army and the nation."

Lt. Gen. Bakshi was the senior most Army officer after General Dalbir Singh but was superseded to make way for General Bipin Rawat, who took over as the Chief of the Army Staff on Saturday.

Southern Army Commander, Lt. Gen. P.M. Hariz, was the other superseded officer.

There had been speculation about Lt. Gen Bakshi's resignation, which were fuelled further when he recently met Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and also went on a three-day leave.

--IANS

ao/tsb/bg