Bikram Singh takes over as Army Chief

General Bikram Singh on Thursday took over the reins of the Indian Army from the outgoing General V K Singh in a ceremonial function here. After the function, the new Army chief met Defence Minister A K Antony in South Block and he was advised to concentrate on Army’s modernisation.

The Kolkata-based Eastern Army Commander, who is known as ‘Bikki’ to his friends, will serve for 27 months as Army Chief.

The turbulence during the 26-month controversial tenure of V K Singh might be allowed to pass over as a nasty storm. It is learnt that Antony has told ministry officials to treat hullabaloo during the outgoing chief’s stint as an aberration and resultant bitterness should be forgotten in the interest of the force and the country.

V K Singh disappointed journalists covering the event by refusing to comment on questions that would have made headlines on the day of his parting. He was of the view that the issues were blown out of proportion to create unnecessary controversies.

However, V K Singh while walking out of the South Block office along with his wife told reporters that he was leaving after setting the ball rolling on the transformation of the force.

Pointing out his achievement, V K Singh said initiating transformation process was one of his achievements. He hoped that the new chief will take it forward in the Army which had become more agile, leaner and sharper given the fact that he was able to change the personnel mindset by addressing their hollowness.

V K Singh wished the new Army Chief all the best and said he was the chosen one when his reaction was sought on the tasks his successor is likely to face.

A Sikh Light Infantry officer, General Bikram Singh is the first Army Chief who has never participated in real battle as he got commissioned after the 1971 war. During the Kargil war too, he was posted in Delhi as a spokesperson.