‘Everyone is happy over Bharat Ratna to PV’

Hyderabad: Former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao’s daughter and BRS MLC Vani Devi on Thursday appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for seeing beyond party lines in recognising the late Congress leader with the Bharat Ratna Bharat Ratnaand said that although the award has come “slightly” late, it’s ok because it is the highest civilian honour. Narasimha Rao belongs to the whole nation, she said.

“Everyone is happy. He is not only a son of Telugu soil but he belongs to the whole nation,” she said. Narasimha Rao, who became prime minister when the country was facing tough times, implemented reforms that were recognised by the whole world, she said. The prime minister from the Congress party had initiated reforms and found permanent solutions to problems in sectors as varied as economy and external affairs, she said.

Commending Prime Minister Modi’s gesture of awarding the Bharat Ratna to a stalwart of an opposition party, Vani Devi said: “Beyond parties, recognising PV and conferring Bharat Ratna shows the good values, manners of our Prime Minister.” She, however, pointed out that the award could have come sooner. “Though there is a slight delay, it’s ok. Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian honour. Telangana people are very happy over Bharat Ratna being conferred upon Narasimha Rao. The family members are overwhelmed. We are very excited,” she added.