The outgoing UPA government could announce today who the next chief of the Indian Army will be, say sources, after the Congress' top leadership yesterday reportedly decided on making the new appointment. General Bikram Singh retires on July 31.

Last evening, senior leaders of the Congress, including the Prime Minister and party president Sonia Gandhi, reportedly decided to appoint the next Army Chief. This came after the Election Commission told the government again that it was within its rights to select the next Army Chief.

The Opposition BJP has said the lame-duck government does not have the authority to make such an important decision. Results of the election are due on May 16. Read more