Statue of C. Rajagopalachari Unveiled at Rashtrapati Bhavan

The statue of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India, was unveiled on Monday at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi by President Droupadi Murmu. The statue has been installed near the Ashoka Mandap, at the Grand Open Staircase, replacing the statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens that previously stood there.

According to the President’s Office, the move reflects an effort to remove symbols associated with colonial rule and to give prominence to India’s culture, heritage, and traditions.

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan and members of Rajagopalachari’s family attended the event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his happiness through a message. He highlighted the mutual trust and close association between Mahatma Gandhi and Rajaji, stating that placing Rajaji’s statue opposite Gandhiji’s statue is a fitting tribute.