TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu said that the annoucement of Bharat Ratna award to Rao is a proud moment for all Telugus across the globe.

Calling Rao as a son of the soil, he noted that the former prime minister was an eminent scholar, leader, economist, writer, statesman, polyglot and a humanist.

Naidu recalled Rao’s pioneering economic reforms which steered India through tough times, putting the nation on the path to achieving greatness on the world stage.

Andhra Pradesh BJP chief D Purandeswari also welcomed the Bharat Ratna award to Rao and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for announcing it.

A true statesman (Rao) and a son of the soil richly deserves this honour that was deprived to him all these years, she said.