Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his birth anniversary on Tuesday.
“Tributes to our former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi Ji on his birth anniversary,” PM Modi posted on X.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also honoured Rajiv Gandhi, highlighting his significant role in modernising India. “Today, the country is celebrating Sadbhavana Diwas. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was a great son of India. He brought hope to millions of Indians and played a pivotal role in ushering the country into the 21st century,” Kharge posted on X.
Kharge emphasised Rajiv Gandhi’s contributions, including lowering the voting age to 18 years, strengthening Panchayati Raj, driving the telecom and IT revolution, computerisation, peace accords, women’s empowerment, the universal immunisation program, and a new education policy focused on inclusive education. “These initiatives brought about transformational changes in the country. We pay a heartfelt tribute to Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi Ji on his birth anniversary,” he added.
Rajiv Gandhi assumed leadership of the Congress in 1984 after the assassination of his mother, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India’s youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40.
Born on August 20, 1944, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, on May 21, 1991.
With inputs from ANI