Why PM Narasimha Rao’s Funeral Was Denied in Delhi?

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Former PM Narasimha Rao’s hearse was denied entry to Congress headquarters at 24 Akbar Road.
2. His family wanted the cremation in Delhi, but Congress leaders insisted on Hyderabad.
3. Reports suggest Sonia Gandhi directed the decision to exclude his body from the Delhi office.
4. Rao, the architect of India’s economic reforms, faced rejection from Congress even posthumously.
5. In 2015, the Modi government honored Rao with a Delhi memorial for his contributions.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Why Was PM Rao’s Funeral Shifted from Delhi?

In December 2004, the hearse of former PM PV Narasimha Rao was controversially denied entry to Congress headquarters in Delhi, sparking outrage.

Rao’s Relationship with the Gandhis

During Rao’s tenure as PM, his relationship with the Gandhi family soured. His handling of the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition deepened the rift, leading to his eventual sidelining within the party.

Family’s Wishes Ignored

Rao’s family wished to cremate him in Delhi, where he served as PM. However, Congress leaders, reportedly under Sonia Gandhi’s influence, insisted on Hyderabad.

Hyderabad Cremation

Andhra Pradesh CM YS Rajasekhara Reddy played a pivotal role in convincing Rao’s family. Despite their protests, the cremation took place in Hyderabad.

Posthumous Recognition

A decade later, in 2015, PM Narendra Modi’s government built a memorial for Rao in Delhi, recognizing his contributions to the nation.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• PM Narasimha Rao is remembered as the architect of India’s economic reforms.
• His relationship with the Gandhi family overshadowed his legacy in Congress.
• A controversy marred his funeral, as his hearse was denied entry to Congress headquarters.
• PM Modi’s government honored Rao with a memorial in Delhi in 2015.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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