The Unexpected Rise of P.V. Narasimha Rao to Prime Minister of India
South Indians have historically been underrepresented in the highest echelons of Indian politics. The country's prime ministers have predominantly hailed from the northern United Provinces (U.P.). However, a series of unique circumstances propelled P.V. Narasimha Rao into the position, marking a notable shift in the political landscape.
A Political Vacuum
In the run-up to the 1991 general elections, the nation was in the midst of a political vacuum following the tragic assassination of former Prime Minister and Congress party candidate Rajiv Gandhi. Tragically, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated, leaving the Congress party in a state of leadership crisis. His widow, Sonia Gandhi, declined to take on the mantle of leadership, much to the disappointment of her late husband's supporters.
Choosing a Compromise Candidate
The Gandhi family, being the party's power brokers, needed a compromising candidate who could be easily influenced. They settled on P.V. Narasimha Rao, who was perceived as a "lightweight" and a moderate. At 70 years old, Rao was already in frail health, having undergone a heart bypass surgery. Furthermore, he lacked a significant mass base and had openly expressed his intentions to semi-retire from politics. The Congress party hoped that Rao, as a benign figure, would allow them to control the party and the nation from the sidelines.
Becoming Prime Minister
On June 21, 1991, exactly a month after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, P.V. Narasimha Rao was sworn in as the Prime Minister of India. Rao officially held both the positions of Prime Minister and Congress President, a practice that had been established during Indira Gandhi's time. Although he had initially promised to vacate the Congress presidency for one of his rivals, Arjun Singh, Rao retained both positions, much to the concerns of Congress loyalists.
Unexpected Transformation
What was intended to be a temping position quickly turned into a transformative one. Upon taking office, Rao proved to be a formidable and determined leader. He promptly sidelined the Gandhi family coterie and began to institute various reforms and schemes. His administration was successful for 5 years, including the introduction of several novel schemes that brought about significant changes in Indian governance and economy.
Recalling the Candidates
Before Rao, the Congress party had considered other candidates for the prime ministerial role. Sonia Gandhi first offered the position to Shankar Dayal Sharma, the then Vice President, later to become President. The message was conveyed to Sharma by Aruna Asaf Ali, a leftist leader and close friend of the Nehru family, and Natwar Singh. Sharma, albeit touched and honored by the gesture, declined due to his age and health, stating that he would not be able to "do justice to the most important office in the country."
In the end, P.V. Narasimha Rao's unexpected rise to power reflects a complex interplay of political maneuvering, historical circumstances, and individual determination. While he was initially seen as a compromise candidate, Rao's tenure as Prime Minister marked a significant chapter in Indian political history.