In a surprise move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces that former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao will be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna award. This decision, along with Modi's past criticism of the Congress party's treatment of Rao, is being seen as a political message and a recognition of Rao's legacy as the first non-Gandhi Prime Minister. While Congress leaders have welcomed the decision, there has been a long-standing unease within the party towards Rao, making this announcement a significant one in the political landscape.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Minister for Revenue Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy praised former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao for his enduring dedication to national development, particularly through his pioneering economic reforms and embrace of globalisation. The announcement of Rao's posthumous recognition with the Bharat Ratna was met with great pride by the Congress party and the state of Telangana. Both leaders emphasized Rao's pivotal role in shaping India's economic trajectory and his stature as a statesman and revered figure in Telangana.
The extended family of former prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao in Karimnagar expressed jubilation upon hearing the news of his posthumous Bharat Ratna award. Tributes and memories of the late politician flooded in after the announcement, highlighting his significant contributions to Indian politics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and agricultural scientist Dr MS Swaminathan will be conferred with the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the nation. This comes after BJP veteran LK Advani accepted the honour with "humility and gratitude" last week. The award, instituted in 1954, is given for exceptional public service and performance of the highest order in any field, including literature, science, and art. The recent demand for Bharat Ratna for Balasaheb Thackeray and VD Savarkar has also been addressed, with Amravati MP Navneet Rana stating that all the names announced are welcome and further demands are under consideration.