Statue of C. Rajagopalachari now in place of Edwin Lutyens in Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Draupadi Murmu unveiled it

New Delhi, 23 February. President Draupadi Murmu unveiled the statue of the first Indian Governor-General of independent India Chakraborty Rajagopalachari at the Rashtrapati Bhavan during the ‘Rajaji Utsav’ at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Center on Monday.

A post on the President’s social media platform ‘X’ read that the statue of Chakraborty Rajagopalachari, located on the Grand Open Staircase near the Ashoka Mandap, has replaced the statue of Edwin Lutyens. This initiative is part of the steps being taken towards eradicating the remnants of colonial mentality and proudly embracing India’s rich culture, heritage, timeless traditions and honoring those who have made extraordinary contributions in the service of Mother India.

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled bust of Shri Chakravarti Rajagopalachari Ji, the first and only Indian Governor General of independent India at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, situated at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap, replaces the bust… pic.twitter.com/xEkZHcwVhA

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 23, 2026

President Murmu emphasized that the move symbolizes a broader national effort to move beyond the legacy of the colonial period and recognize eminent Indian leaders who have played a significant role in shaping the country’s history. He said Rajagopalachari was a prominent freedom fighter, politician and scholar who served as the last Governor General of India from 1948 to 1950.

On this occasion, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan and Rajaji’s family members were involved.

Vice President Shri CP Radhakrishnan attended the ‘Rajaji Utsav’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan today, where the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, unveiled the bust of Shri C. Rajagopalachari, replacing that of Edwin Lutyens, marking another significant milestone in our… pic.twitter.com/NYHOocUWhv

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) February 23, 2026

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan wrote on the official social media platform

The event underlined the government’s continued emphasis on honoring national symbols and reinforcing India’s cultural and historical identity within the key institutions of the Republic.