Rao, P V Narasimha

▪ 2005

      Indian politician (b. June 28, 1921, Karimnagar, Andhra Pradesh, India—d. Dec. 23, 2004, New Delhi, India), as leader of the Congress (I) Party and prime minister (1991–96), saved India from bankruptcy, moving it away from its semisocialistic economic program; Rao's shift toward market capitalism encouraged domestic growth and foreign investment but incurred higher deficits and inflation. Many analysts traced India's robust economy at the turn of the 21st century to the foundation of his reforms. His tenure, however, was also marked by a rise in sectarian violence, with ongoing clashes between Muslims and Hindus. Rao served the state of Andhra Pradesh as a legislator (1957–77) and chief minister (1971–73). He backed Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in her creation of a new wing of the Congress Party in 1969 and was elected to the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) in 1977. Rao held several cabinet posts and twice served as foreign minister (1980–84, 1988–89). He became prime minister after the assassination of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991. After his party was roundly defeated in the 1996 elections, Rao resigned amid allegations of corruption and bribery. Shortly after leaving office, he was convicted on charges of corruption and bribery, but his conviction was later overturned. A formidable scholar, Rao was the author of many translations, a book of fiction, and poetry.

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