Tributes Pour in for Rajiv Gandhi on 33rd Death Anniversary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his respects to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on Tuesday, marking the 33rd anniversary of Gandhi’s assassination. Modi took to X to express his tribute, writing, “On his death anniversary, my tributes to our former PM Shri Rajiv Gandhi Ji.” Congress leaders, including President Mallikarjun Kharge, Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and MP Rahul Gandhi, commemorated the day by visiting Veer Bhumi in Delhi.
Other Congress figures such as P Chidambaram and Sachin Pilot also paid their respects in the national capital. Rahul Gandhi shared an emotional message, stating, “Father, Your dreams, my dreams, Your aspirations, my responsibilities. Your memories, today and always, always in my heart.” Sachin Pilot praised Rajiv Gandhi’s contributions in his post on X, noting, “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 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.”
Jairam Ramesh, another Congress leader, commented on Rajiv Gandhi’s significant impact despite his short political career, citing the 1991 manifesto that promoted liberalization. Ramesh enumerated Gandhi’s achievements: enfranchising 18-year-olds, empowering local governments with reservations for women, brokering peace in several regions, and propelling India into the IT, computer, and telecom era. He also highlighted Gandhi’s advancements in science and technology, as well as the strengthening of India’s space and nuclear programs.
Rajiv Gandhi assumed leadership of the Congress Party in 1984 after the assassination of his mother, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. At the age of 40, he became India’s youngest Prime Minister and served from October 1984 until December 1989. Born on August 20, 1944, his life ended tragically on May 21, 1991, when he was killed by a suicide bomber from the LTTE during an election rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.
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