PM Modi to address army commanders in Dehradun after EC's permission with 'conditions'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Combined Commanders Conference (CCC) on Saturday in Dehradun amid objections by the Congress that BJP may use the event to influence former and serving defence personnel to gain an upper hand in the five poll-bound states.

However, the defence ministry received a go-ahead by the Election Commission to organise the event with 'certain conditions'.

The day-long conference at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) will be attended by all army commanders and their equivalents from the Air Force and the Navy.

This will be the first CCC for the three military chiefs since taking over as head of their services last year.

In a letter to the defence secretary, the commission said it has "no objection" to holding the conference at IMA. It said the dignitaries attending the conference should "observe certain conditions".

"The official visit shall not be combined with any public meeting...no media briefing, media interaction, press release, announcement in connection with serving soldiers or ex -servicemen, which may affect the voters in five poll going states, including Uttarakhand, should be made," it said asking the defence secretary to ensure compliance.

Top commanders of the three forces and senior officers of the government will attend the conference to discuss the security scenario of the country and decide upon future course of action. It is usually held every year and inaugurated by the PM.

(With inputs from PTI)