Don’t subject army to political interference: CPI-M

New Delhi, Dec 19 (IANS) The CPI-M on Monday criticized the government for bypassing the established convention while naming a new army chief and said the military should not be subject to political interference.

"The appointment of the new Chief of Army Staff has been done bypassing the established convention of the senior most General assuming the post," the Communist Party of India-Marxist said.

"The Modi government’s departure from this precedent has raised questions about the intent and motivation of the government," it said in a statement.

"The Indian Army should not be subject to any political interference."

The government on Saturday named Lt. Gen. Bipin Rawat as the next chief of the Indian Army, overlooking the seniority of two senior Lt. Generals.