Former Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia stated that the 1991 Indian economic reforms were driven by P.V. Narasimha Rao's political courage, not just economics. Speaking at a memorial lecture, Ahluwalia highlighted Rao's role in shielding then Finance Minister Manmohan Singh from opposition and political fallout, allowing the reforms to proceed. He emphasized Rao's political acumen in managing diverse constituencies and deflecting criticism, suggesting Rao's crucial political backing was historically under-recognized despite Manmohan Singh's design and execution of the reforms.