Govt didn't seek Urjit Patel's resignation: Arun Jaitley

The government did not seek resignation of former RBI Governor Urjit Patel, says Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

Earlier, the Finance Minister separately thanked Patel via Twitter for his services. "The Government acknowledges with a deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of the RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship," he tweeted.

Patel, who unexpectedly stepped down before his term ended, cited "personal reasons" for the decision that was effective immediately. Patel's three-year term was to end in September 2019 and he was eligible for a second term like most of his successors barring a few like his outspoken predecessor Raghuram Rajan.

"On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position effective immediately," Patel said.