No differences with Governor Raghuram Rajan, says K C Chakrabarty

NEW DELHI: KC Chakrabarty, the Reserve Bank Deputy Governor who opted to leave the central bank ahead of schedule, said he had no difference of opinion on policy matters with Governor Raghuram Rajan and that he was not "running away". Chakrabarty, who unexpectedly resigned on Thursday, said he would remain in office until April 25. He was due to retire on June 15.

Chakrabarty, a career banker and RBI’s deputy governor since 2009, said his resignation was a personal decision. "I think I should have the discretion of deciding my own retirement date. Absolutely there is no problem. This was communicated to Governor (Rajan) well in advance," he said.

When asked if he plans to meet Finance Minister P Chidambaram, the central bank official known for his outspoken ways said he reports to the RBI governor and has conveyed to him the decision to leave early. "I think he (Rajan) must have done that thing (informing the finance minister)."

The RBI has four deputy governor positions – two recruited from within the organisation, one economist and one career banker. After Chakrabarty's exit, there will be two vacancies as the government has yet to name the replacement for Anand Sinha, who retired in January.