New Delhi, June 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, saying the veteran leader played a significant role in India’s progress during a critical phase of the nation’s history.

Prime Minister Modi posted on X, “Tributes to former Prime Minister Shri PV Narasimha Rao Ji on his birth anniversary. He made enduring contributions to India’s progress during a critical phase of our nation’s history. He made a mark as an able administrator. He was also a distinguished scholar, blessed with immense knowledge and understanding of India’s diverse culture.”

Leaders across the political spectrum also remembered Rao on his birth anniversary.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute, posting on X, “Tributes to former Prime Minister Shri P. V. Narasimha Rao on his birth anniversary. A visionary leader and distinguished statesman, Shri P. V. Narasimha Rao marked a defining moment in India’s economic journey. His life and contributions to the nation will always be remembered.”

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari wrote on X, “Remembering Former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna P. V. Narasimha Rao ji on his birth anniversary.”

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge remembered the former Prime Minister, posting on X, “Our tributes to Former Prime Minister, P. V. Narasimha Rao, on his birth anniversary. His government’s path-breaking economic liberalisation accelerated growth, expanded opportunities for the middle class, and set the country on a trajectory of long-term development.”

“His tenure was also defined by significant strides in India’s nuclear programme and farsighted diplomatic initiatives, including the landmark ‘Look East’ policy. His contribution to India’s progress and nation-building will always be remembered,” Kharge wrote.

PV Narasimha Rao was born on June 28, 1921, in Karimnagar. He studied at Osmania University, Hyderabad, Bombay University and Nagpur University.

An agriculturist and advocate by profession, Rao entered public life and held several key portfolios in the Andhra Pradesh government. He served as Minister for Law and Information (1962-64), Law and Endowments (1964-67), Health and Medicine (1967), and Education (1968-71). He later became the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, serving from 1971 to 1973.

Rao went on to serve as the 9th Prime Minister of India from 1991 to 1996. Widely regarded as the “Father of Indian Economic Reforms”, he is credited with dismantling the restrictive Licence Raj and steering India through a period of sweeping economic liberalisation that reshaped the country’s economy.

His tenure also witnessed significant developments in foreign policy and strategic affairs, leaving a lasting impact on India’s modern growth trajectory.

–IANS

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