P. V. Narasimha Rao

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Visit of Narasimha Rao, Indian Minister for Foreign Affairs, to the CEC (cropped)

Pamulaparti Venkata Narasimha Rao (28 June 1921 – 23 December 2004) was an Indian lawyer and politician who served as the 9th Prime Minister of India, from 1991 to 1996. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by major economic transformations and several home incidents that reshaped the country's domestic and foreign policy. Rao was a member of the Indian National Congress (INC) party, and his leadership is often credited with laying the foundation for economic liberalization in India.

Early Life and Education

P.V. Narasimha Rao was born in a Telugu-speaking Brahmin family in the village of Laknepally, Warangal District, now in Telangana. He completed his Bachelor's in Arts from the University of Mumbai and later went on to pursue law from Nagpur University. Rao was fluent in several languages, including Telugu, Hindi, Marathi, and English, and had a keen interest in Indian literature and culture.

Political Career

Rao's political career began in the 1950s when he was elected to the Andhra Pradesh State Assembly. His proficiency in multiple languages, including his command over Hindi, helped him in rising through the ranks of the Indian National Congress. He held various ministerial positions in the state government before moving to the national political scene.

In 1977, Rao was appointed as the Minister of External Affairs, where he played a crucial role in defining India's foreign policy, particularly with neighboring countries. He also served as the Minister of Defence and the Minister of Home Affairs in the government led by Rajiv Gandhi.

Prime Ministership

In 1991, following the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, Rao was chosen to lead the INC and became the Prime Minister of India. His tenure is most notably remembered for the economic reforms and liberalization of the Indian economy. Faced with a severe economic crisis, Rao, along with his Finance Minister Manmohan Singh, initiated policies that reduced the government's control on foreign trade and investment. These reforms included opening up the economy to international markets, reforming the industrial licensing system, and privatizing public sector industries.

Rao's government also faced several challenges, including the Babri Masjid demolition and the subsequent communal riots, the Latur Earthquake, and the handling of the Kashmir conflict. Despite these challenges, Rao's tenure is credited with transforming India's economy and setting it on a path of rapid growth.

Later Life and Legacy

After his tenure as Prime Minister, Rao faced legal challenges and was charged with corruption, though he was acquitted of all charges before his death. He remained a controversial figure within the INC due to his economic policies and the political decisions made during his tenure.

Rao passed away on 23 December 2004, leaving behind a legacy as the architect of India's economic liberalization. His tenure as Prime Minister is often regarded as a turning point in India's modern history, setting the stage for India's emergence as a major global economy.

See Also

• Economic liberalization in India
• Indian National Congress
• List of Prime Ministers of India

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