PM Modi pays tributes to Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary
New Delhi, May 21
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid homage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary.
Rajiv Gandhi, who served as India's Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989, assumed office following the assassination of his mother, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. At the age of 40, he became the youngest Prime Minister in Indian history.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Tributes to former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi Ji on his death anniversary."
Rajiv Gandhi led the country until the 1989 general elections, after which he served as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He resigned in December 1990, just six months before he himself was assassinated in a brutal terrorist attack.
According to the PM India website, Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20, 1944, in Bombay, was just three when India became independent and his grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, became the first Prime Minister of the country.
His parents, Indira Gandhi and Feroze Gandhi, moved to New Delhi from Lucknow when his father became an MP.
Earlier in the day, Congress paid tributes to the former Prime Minister and said, "On the death anniversary of former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi ji, countless salutations. Rajiv Gandhi ji's visionary leadership, dedication to the nation, and his thoughts will always continue to inspire the Congress family."
Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other senior party leaders and workers paid floral tributes to Rajiv Gandhi at Vir Bhumi in Delhi.
"Rajiv ji's contributions to strengthening India's unity, democratic values and technological progress remain deeply etched in the nation's journey," Congress said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
PM Modi paying respects is a good gesture. Even during his tenure, Modi has shown similar respect to all former PMs regardless of party. That's how strong democracies work.
Remembering Rajiv Gandhi for his contribution to telecom revolution and education policy. But we should also critically examine his policies like the Sri Lanka intervention and Bofors scandal. History needs balanced reflection.
🙏 True statesman who sacrificed his life for the nation. His contribution to Panchayati Raj and local governance is often overlooked. RIP Rajiv Gandhi ji.
It's heartening to see Indian politics maintaining traditions of respect across party lines. Rajiv Gandhi's legacy on technology and youth empowerment is relevant even today.
Bahut badhiya! (Very good!) Showing respect to all former PMs regardless of party is the mark of a mature democracy. Hope this spirit continues beyond these formal gestures.
While I respect the ritual, I wish our political discourse would focus more on current issues like unemployment, inflation, and farmer distress rather than just symbolic gestures. Still, paying respects is a positive step.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.