DRDO chief Avinash Chander removed as he didn't toe government line on Make-in-India, alleges Congress

Congress on Wednesday alleged that DRDO chief Avinash Chander was removed because he did not toe the government's line on "Make-in-India" campaign and asked the government to explain its decision.

"Avinash Chandar pays price for inability to toe line on "Make in India"(MAI) campaign? Can anyone press button & do MAI in defence instantly?," party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi tweeted. Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh said on Twitter "Avinash Chander DRDO Chief dismissed 15 months before his term expired. Would government please explain?".

The Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "approved the termination" of the contract of Avinash Chander with effect from January 31. Chander, who was Secretary, Defence Research and Development cum Director General, DRDO and Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister, retired on November 30 last on attaining 64 years of age and was given a contract for 18 months till May 31 next year.

Chander is known to be the chief architect of Agni series of ballistic missile systems.