The prestigious Bharat Ratna award will be bestowed upon former Prime Ministers P. V. Narasimha Rao and Choudhary Charan Singh, along with Green Revolution pioneer M. S. Swaminathan. This announcement adds to the earlier revelation of two awardees this year — socialist leader Karpoori Thakur and former Deputy Prime Minister L. K. Advani.

The declaration came from Rashtrapati Bhawan on Friday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi commending the achievements of his predecessors. He praised the liberalization policies of Congress PM Rao and the advocacy for farmers by Janata Party PM Singh. Additionally, Modi acknowledged the contributions of the late agricultural scientist Swaminathan.

The Bharat Ratna stands as India’s highest civilian honor. This year, the tally of five awardees surpasses the four announced in 1999, marking the highest number of recipients in a single year. Four out of the five awards announced this year are posthumous. Advani, aged 96, is the only living recipient.

P. V. Narasimha Rao's Legacy:
P. V. Narasimha Rao, who led a Congress-led government from 1991 to 1996, is widely recognized for liberalizing the Indian economy. However, his tenure was also marked by the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, which has complicated his legacy, particularly within the current leadership of the Congress party. Rao's leadership was significant as he was the first non-Gandhi Prime Minister to complete a full term in office, and he was also the first Prime Minister from southern India.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge both welcomed the announcement. Gandhi responded briefly outside Parliament, stating, "I welcome them... Why not?" Kharge, in a post, welcomed the awards for Rao, Choudhary Charan Singh, and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, emphasizing Rao's contributions to nation-building through economic reforms.

Modi described Rao's leadership as instrumental in advancing India economically and laying a strong foundation for the country's growth and prosperity.

Singh's Legacy:
Choudhary Charan Singh, a prominent figure in the Jat and farming communities, served as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1980. He has been awarded the Bharat Ratna at a time when the ruling BJP is engaging with his grandson, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Choudhary, for a potential alliance in the upcoming general election. Choudhary expressed his joy by saying, "You have won my heart."

Modi praised Singh's dedication to nation-building and his unwavering stance against the Emergency, highlighting his commitment to farmers and democracy during challenging times.

These announcements recognize the significant contributions of these leaders to India's development and progress, serving as a reminder of their enduring legacies in the country's history.

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