Renowned media analyst Dr Sanjaya Baru said that there’s a possibility of revival of India’s grand old party, but no such likelihood of the famous Nehru family.
“I see revival of Congress, but not the Nehru family,” Dr Baru revealed during the Hyderabad launch of his new book ‘1991: How P.V. Narasimha Rao Made History’.
Speaking to a houseful of audience in the auditorium of Center for Economic and Social Studies, Dr Baru noted that the politics of 1991 made the year important.
He added that 1991 shaped post-Nehruvian era, which saw economic reforms and new foreign policy after cold war. Further, he remarked that despite 400 plus members in the Parliament, Rajiv Gandhi failed to bring about changes that PV Narasimha Rao could bring later.
Former RBI governor Dr C Rangarajan, commenting on the book as a panelist in the event, acknowledged that the country had not adequately recognized PV Narasimha Rao.
The Padma Vibhushan awardee also admitted that Rao was the “architect of the reforms” and he was “very much behind” the then Finance Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.
Dr Rajan emphasized that due credit must be given to Dr Manmohan Singh in any book on 1991. He said, “I believe we should not underestimate the contribution of him.”
Further, Dr. Rajan observed that Baru’s book goes beyond 1991 to talk about issues. He pointed out that Dr. Baru must have mentioned about 1992 Babri Masjid issue as well.
Replying to Dr Rajan’s remarks on Babri Masjid issue, Dr Baru said Narasimha Rao alone cannot be blamed for it.
“Hanging him for Babri Masjid – which Congress has [done] to him – is travesty of truth,” Dr Sanjaya Baru reasoned.
Renowned economist Dr C. Hanumantha Rao said PV Narasimha Rao was not an accidental prime minister. “He had 50 years of experience as Congress worker and leader, before becoming the PM,” added the Padma Bhushan awardee.
Another panelist Dr. Parakala Prabhakar said that Delhi did not know PV Narasimha Rao, but he knew Delhi. The former PM was not known as a “quantity” for most of India and he’s still so, remarked the London School of Economics alumni.