New Delhi: In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took everybody abruptly with the announcement of the Bharat Ratna for Pranab Mukherjee, the astute Congressman and former President of India. This resolution raised eyebrows, with some commentators suggesting that the BJP had appropriated a half of Mukherjee’s legacy. Others speculated that it was solely a matter of time earlier than PV Narasimha Rao, the previous Indian Prime Minister who allegedly had a strained relationship with the Gandhis, can be honored in a comparable style. It certainly occurred, in similar method, throughout an election 12 months and forward of the electoral battle. Rao, right now, was introduced for a posthumous Bharat Ratna, underscoring a vital political maneuver.
Gandhis’ Congress: No Place for Rao
The Congress celebration has been accused of constantly overlooking Rao. Things began proper after its defeat within the 1996 elections. Party committees arrange to analyze the explanations for the Congress debacle rapidly blamed Rao’s financial reforms and the demolition of the Babri Masjid. Ironically, years later, when Dr Manmohan Singh was appointed Prime Minister, those self same reforms have been hailed as his foremost credentials. The celebration statements conveniently omitted Narasimha Rao’s involvement – maybe greater – in the identical. Furthermore, many Congressmen noticed Babri Masjid incident throughout his tenure was seen as damaging to the Congress’ historically robust Muslim vote financial institution.
It is extensively alleged that Congress management, influenced by then-chief Sonia Gandhi’s dislike for Rao, didn’t permit his physique to be introduced to the AICC headquarters in Delhi. This resolution has been criticized, notably in Rao’s dwelling state of Telangana, the place the opposition continues to leverage it for political benefit.
Congress Woke Up, But Too Late
After years of downplaying Rao’s contributions, the Congress appeared to have a change of coronary heart in 2020. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi issued statements praising Rao’s “bold leadership” and “erudite personality.” This shift occurred within the context of the Modi-led authorities honoring Pranab Mukherjee with a Bharat Ratna and the Telangana Chief Minister’s announcement of year-long celebrations to commemorate Rao’s contributions to the nation.
However, the celebration struggled to preserve a constant stance, as seen when Mani Shankar Aiyar controversially labeled Rao as communal and “the first Prime Minister of the BJP” throughout a ebook launch in August.
The Modi Strategy
Team Modi, seizing the chance, introduced the Bharat Ratna for Rao, capitalizing on Congress’s obvious neglect of its former chief.
The Congress should acknowledge that Modi’s technique extends past Rao. The BJP has efficiently related itself with different outstanding figures historically celebrated by the Congress, reminiscent of Subhash Chandra Bose and Lal Bahadur Shastri. The development means that extra Congress stalwarts, like Madan Mohan Malaviya and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, is likely to be equally embraced by the BJP sooner or later, additional difficult Congress’s declare to its historic legacy.
