SPECULATION MOUNTS ON WHO NEXT NSA WILL BE

Reports are that Ajit Doval, who completed 79 years in January, is keen to retire.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

With National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, who completed 79 years this January, apparently expressing his intention to hang his boots once the new government is formed post 4 June, who his successor will be is being deliberated in domestic and international circles.

Doval was appointed the NSA by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in among his first few appointments after taking oath of office. Doval will complete 10 years of uninterrupted reign on 30 May, during which he earned the title of the most powerful and senior ‘minister-bureaucrat’ of PM Modi.

While officials in the security establishment, as has been the trend, have little or nothing to confirm on the possible successor of Doval, it is widely expected that the PM has already made up his mind on whom he will appoint in place of Doval if the BJP returns to power, as is being speculated widely.