PM Modi announces Bharat Ratna for former PMs Narasimha Rao, Charan Singh

Scientist Dr. M.S. Swaminathan will also be awarded Bharat Ratna, the Prime Minister said.

Modi wrote on X, "Delighted to share that our former Prime Minister, Shri PV Narasimha Rao Garu, will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna. As a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities.

"He is equally remembered for the work he did as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister, and as a Member of Parliament and Legislative Assembly for many years. His visionary leadership was instrumental in making India economically advanced, laying a solid foundation for the country's prosperity and growth."

"Narasimha Rao Garu’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets, fostering a new era of economic development.

"Furthermore, his contributions to India's foreign policy, language and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy as a leader who not only steered India through critical transformations but also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage," he added.

Narasimha Rao, who remained the Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996, is credited for the economic liberalisation in the country.

The Congress leader had employed Modi's immediate predecessor Manmohan Singh as the then Union Finance Minister in bringing the economic transition.

Charan Singh, who was the champion of farmers' rights, remained the Prime Minister for a brief period from 1979 to 1980.

Modi wrote on X, "It is the good fortune of our government that former Prime Minister of the country Chaudhary Charan Singh is being honored with Bharat Ratna. This honor is dedicated to his incomparable contribution to the country. He had dedicated his entire life to the rights and welfare of farmers.

"Be it the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh or the Home Minister of the country and even as an MLA, he always gave impetus to nation building. He also stood firm against the Emergency. His dedication to our farmer brothers and sisters and his commitment to democracy during the Emergency is inspiring to the entire nation."

Swaminathan, who passed away in September 2023, is considered as the architect of the green revolution in the country.

The Prime Minister said in a separate post, "It is a matter of immense joy that the Government of India is conferring the Bharat Ratna on Dr. MS Swaminathan Ji, in recognition of his monumental contributions to our nation in agriculture and farmers’ welfare. He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture.

"We also recognise his invaluable work as an innovator and mentor and encouraging learning and research among several students. Dr. Swaminathan’s visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity. He was someone I knew closely and l always valued his insights and inputs."

The Modi government had earlier awarded Bharat Ratna for former Deputy Prime Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) patriarch LK Advani and ex-Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur.