Defence ministry recommends Lt. Gen. Suhag as next army chief

New Delhi, May 12 (IANS) The defence ministry Monday recommended the name of Lt. Gen. Dalbir Singh Suhag to the cabinet committee on appointments as the next Indian Army chief, sources said.

The move comes as the Election Commission gave the government the go-ahead for appointing the new army chief before it demits office.

The cabinet committee is expected to clear Lt. Gen. Suhag's name in a day or two.

The new army chief is generally named two months before the incumbent retires.

Indian Army Chief Gen. Bikram Singh retires July 31.

The BJP had opposed appointment of the new army chief by the outgoing government.