Key Points

In a post on X, Kharge said that Rao's far-reaching economic liberalisation policies were instrumental in "catalysing an era of unprecedented national growth."

"We pay our tributes to Former Prime Minister, P. V. Narasimha Rao, on his birth anniversary. His government's far-reaching economic liberalisation policies were instrumental in catalysing an era of unprecedented national growth," Kharge said.

The Congress Chief further said that the reforms brought by Rao were pivotal in the "upliftment" and "expansion" of the middle class, and laid a foundation for a more "formidable and resilient India".

"These reforms were pivotal in the upliftment and expansion of the middle class, thereby laying a robust foundation for a more formidable and resilient India. His tenure was also distinguished by significant advancements in India's nuclear program and the initiation of several forward-thinking foreign policy endeavours, most notably the 'Look East' policy," Mallikarjun Kharge said.

"His vital role in progress and strengthening of our nation shall always be remembered," Kharge added.

Born on June 28, 1921, in Karimnagar, Telangana, and being an agriculturist and an advocate, Narasimha Rao joined politics and held some important portfolios. He was the Minister of Law and Information, 1962-64; Law and Endowments, 1964-67; Health and Medicine, 1967 and Education, 1968-71, Government of Andhra Pradesh.

Rao took over on the post of the Home Minister on July 19, 1984 and was re-appointed to this post, with the additional charge of the Ministry of Planning on November 5, 1984.

He was appointed as the Minister of Defence from December 31, 1984 to September 25, 1985.. On September 25, 1985 he took over as the Minister of Human Resource Development.

- ANI