Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu pays tributes to Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary
Shimla, May 22
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has paid tributes to former Prime Minister the late Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary, being observed as Anti-Terrorism Day at Sadbhawana Chowk, Chhota Shimla.
On the occasion, while interacting with the media, the Chief Minister said that the Congress Party had lost two of its Prime Ministers, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, in the fight against terrorism in the country.
Recalling the immense contributions of Rajiv Gandhi, the Chief Minister said that during his tenure as Prime Minister, he laid the foundation for the information technology revolution in India, which transformed the nation's technological and communication landscape.
He said that a 33 per cent reservation for women had been ensured in Panchayati Raj institutions and local bodies to strengthen their participation and leadership in the development process.
Mayor Municipal Corporation Shimla, Surinder Chauhan, Chairman, HP Buildings and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, Nardev Kanwar, Chairman, HP State Cooperative Bank, Devender Shyam, Vice Chairman, HP State Food and Civil Supplies Corporation, Vishal Chambyal, Deputy Mayor, Uma Kaushal, Councillors and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
He described him as a visionary leader who empowered youth and women while laying the foundation for India's IT and communication revolution.
After returning from Delhi and attending a Congress tribute programme in Shimla on Wednesday afternoon, the Chief Minister told the media that Rajiv Gandhi transformed the country through modern thinking and progressive policies.
"Rajiv Gandhi reduced the voting age from 21 years to 18 years so that youth could participate actively in democracy," Sukhu said.
He said the concept of providing 33 per cent reservation to women in Panchayati Raj institutions was also initiated by Rajiv Gandhi and was later increased to 50 per cent.
The Chief Minister said Rajiv Gandhi had laid the foundation for the IT and communication revolution in the country. "When America refused to provide a supercomputer to India, Rajiv Gandhi had said that the 21st century would belong to India's IT revolution," he said.
CM Sukhu said Indian engineers were making a mark globally due to the visionary leadership of Rajiv Gandhi. He also remembered the sacrifices of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, saying both leaders lost their lives while fighting terrorism.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Anti-Terrorism Day is a fitting way to remember him. But honestly, we need more than just ceremonies—our politicians should focus on tackling terrorism with real action, not just speeches. Still, Sukhu ji's tribute is respectful.
The 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj was a game-changer! My village sarpanch is a woman and she's done more for our roads and water than the previous four men combined. Rajiv Gandhi understood grassroots democracy.
Interesting how every Congress leader Rajiv Gandhi's death anniversary to remind us of "terrorism". But what about the anti-Sikh riots of 1984? Some say he could have stopped it. History is complex, but we shouldn't forget all sides. Just saying.
Reducing the voting age to 18 was such a bold move! We criticize politicians but forget that someone gave us the right to vote at 18. That's why I always go to vote—young voices matter. Thank you, Rajiv Gandhi 🙏
Sukhu ji is right about the IT revolution. My first job in the 90s was thanks to the telecom reforms Rajiv Gandhi initiated. India wouldn't be a digital powerhouse without those early steps. But we need to honor all our martyrs, not just political ones.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.