On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored the memory of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on the 33rd anniversary of his assassination. Modi expressed his tribute via a post on X, stating, “On his death anniversary, my tributes to our former PM Shri Rajiv Gandhi Ji.” Concurrently, key Congress figures including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and MP Rahul Gandhi paid their respects at Veer Bhumi in Delhi.
Several other prominent Congress leaders, such as P Chidambaram and Sachin Pilot, also marked the occasion by paying homage in the capital. Rahul Gandhi shared a heartfelt message, saying, “Father, Your dreams, my dreams, Your aspirations, my responsibilities. Your memories, today and always, always in my heart.” Sachin Pilot, in his post on X, reflected on Rajiv Gandhi’s significant contributions: “I pay my respectful tributes to former Prime Minister Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary. Unique, historical, and unforgettable works like the computer and telecommunication revolution, empowerment of the Panchayati Raj system, promoting youth participation in politics were done by Rajiv Gandhi Ji. As the youngest Prime Minister, with his vision and strong will, he provided new momentum, direction, and energy to the development of the country.”
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh highlighted Rajiv Gandhi’s impactful, albeit brief, political career. He credited Gandhi with numerous legacies, including the 1991 manifesto that ushered in liberalization. Ramesh detailed these legacies: the enfranchisement of 18-year-olds, the constitutional empowerment of local governments with reservations for women, peace initiatives in multiple regions, and India’s entry into the IT, computer, and telecom sectors. He also emphasized Gandhi’s contributions to science, technology, and the strengthening of India’s space and nuclear programs.
Rajiv Gandhi’s political ascent began in 1984 after the assassination of his mother, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. At 40, he became India’s youngest Prime Minister, serving from October 1984 to December 1989. Born on August 20, 1944, his life was tragically cut short on May 21, 1991, when he was assassinated by an LTTE suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.
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