Lutyens Statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan to Be Replaced with Rajaji

Category : National Published on: February 25 2026

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during ‘Mann Ki Baat’ that the statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be replaced with a statue of C. Rajagopalachari. The move aims to remove colonial-era symbols and honour India’s national icons.
Lutyens, who designed landmarks such as India Gate and North and South Block, played a key role in shaping New Delhi’s architecture. However, the government stated that independent India’s leaders deserve greater recognition at key constitutional sites.
Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, was India’s last Governor-General (1948–1950), a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and founder of the Swatantra Party. His statue will be unveiled during Rajaji Utsav, along with an exhibition celebrating his contribution to Indian democracy.