The Decision to Retire from Politics
In a surprising turn of events, the Indian government has decided to honor former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao with the highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna. Rao’s tenure as Prime Minister is often remembered for his implementation of economic liberalization policies in the mid-1990s. However, let’s delve into the lesser-known story of Narasimha Rao contemplating retirement from politics only to find himself occupying the Prime Minister’s chair.
Contemplating Retirement
In 1990, P.V. Narasimha Rao had made up his mind to retire from his political career. Not only did he announce his retirement, but he also dispatched his books, favorite computer, and other belongings to his son’s home in Hyderabad. He had already charted out his plans for life after politics. According to reports, he expressed his desire to join a monastery in Tamil Nadu, conveyed through a letter expressing his wish to the monastery authorities.
A Twist of Fate
The question arises: how did P.V. Narasimha Rao’s fate take such a dramatic turn? It is said that in 1990, there was intense speculation in political circles. Rumors circulated that Rajiv Gandhi was contemplating giving opportunities to young faces in the cabinet after winning the Lok Sabha elections.
A New Direction in Politics
Renowned journalist and former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s advisor, Sanjay Baru, writes in an article for the Indian Express that P.V. Narasimha Rao was the favored choice of then-President R. Venkataraman. Additionally, he had the support of Kerala leader K. Karunakaran and several other MPs. This played a pivotal role in his election as the Congress President on May 29, 1991. Subsequently, the party made a comeback in the following month’s Lok Sabha elections with 232 seats. Being the most experienced leader, Narasimha Rao ascended to the position of the country’s Prime Minister.
Economic Growth Under Rao’s Leadership
Narasimha Rao’s tenure as Prime Minister witnessed a surge in investments in the country. His policies of economic liberalization, which propelled the nation towards rapid progress, are well-documented. It was under his leadership that India saw a significant increase in foreign investments. Moreover, the entry of big brands and companies into the Indian market opened up countless job opportunities for the populace.
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