Venkaiah Naidu promises memorials for all former PMs ignored by Congress

NEW DELHI: Urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said that the NDA government will erect memorials of all former Prime Ministers who were “ignored“ by the Congress.

In an informal interaction with reporters Naidu said that they have informed the Cabinet about the proposal to set up one memorial of former PM P V Narasimha Rao at Ekta Sthal. “But let me make it very clear the memorials would be raised plinths with plaques. We will honour all former PMs. Rao has made huge contribution to the country's economy ,“ Naidu said.

The minister added he is keen that there should be a memorial for country's first nonCongress PM, Morarji Desai.

Sources said in case if it's needed, the proposal for Rao memorial can also be placed before the Cabinet for approval.

Naidu said that all these memorials will be at one place.While Rao's memorial will be at Ekta Sthal, the government is developing a huge area adjacent to this spot named “Rashtriya Smriti“ for performing the last rites of top politicians, including past and serving Presidents, VPs and PMs.

The UPA government had cleared the proposal for this common memorial site citing paucity of land in the capital for the construction of samadhis for departed leaders.