New Delhi, May 21 (H.S.): A tribute ceremony was held today at Veer Bhumi in New Delhi on the 35th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid floral tributes to the late leader at his memorial site. Several senior Congress leaders, Members of Parliament, and party workers were also present on the occasion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage to Rajiv Gandhi through a post on social media platform X, stating, “Tributes to former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi Ji on his death anniversary.”

During the ceremony at Veer Bhumi, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra offered flowers at Rajiv Gandhi’s memorial and observed a moment of silence in his remembrance. Kharge described Rajiv Gandhi as a visionary leader who laid the foundation of modern India in the 21st century. He said Rajiv Gandhi trusted the strength of India’s youth and reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years. He also strengthened democracy at the grassroots level by empowering Panchayats and guided India into a new era through telecommunications, information technology, and computerisation.

Rahul Gandhi shared an old photograph with his father on X and wrote, “Papa, I will fulfil the responsibility of realising the dream of a capable, prosperous, and strong India that you envisioned. Your teachings, values, and memories will always remain with me.”

Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal said Rajiv Gandhi laid a strong foundation for India’s transformation during his brief tenure. He stated that the impact of his policies aimed at empowering women, youth, the poor, and marginalised communities continues to be visible even today. Venugopal added that Rajiv Gandhi made the supreme sacrifice while protecting the sovereignty and unity of the nation, and the country would never forget it.

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said Rajiv Gandhi envisioned major advancements in science and technology and ensured the participation of young people in democracy by granting voting rights to citizens aged 18 years. He said Rajiv Gandhi firmly believed that the youth represented the future of India.

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan wrote on X that Rajiv Gandhi played a historic role in shaping modern India. He said Rajiv Gandhi strengthened democracy through Panchayati Raj reforms and prepared the country to face the challenges of the 21st century. He added that Rajiv Gandhi’s ideas and memories would continue to guide future generations.

Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in a suicide bomb attack on May 21, 1991, in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. He served as the Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989. He is widely regarded as one of the leaders who laid the foundation for India’s information technology and telecommunications revolution. During his tenure, several significant initiatives were launched in the fields of computerisation, telecommunications expansion, and administrative modernisation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar