A story did go around in the Delhi babus circle at the time when Manekshaw was promoted to Field Marshal that it was the only way he could be removed from actively heading the army, and at the same time everybody would feel that he had been rewarded. His popularity among both defence personnel and civilians could probably have been dangerous for the democracy - that is what the story was. It is unlikely that he harboured any negative ideas, for the patriot that he was, but the Govt did not want to take any risks. In fact, there were rumours that he had initially declined it when he knew that he was being eased out of actual command to being a figurehead. I remember this story or something similar coming in print in magazines much later. Such was his personality and strength at that time. May his soul rest in peace
