Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 35th death anniversary at Vir Bhumi in New Delhi on Thursday. Priyanka’s children, Miraya and Raihan Vadra, were also present during the homage ceremony. Several senior Congress leaders, including Ashok Gehlot, P Chidambaram, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and Mukul Wasnik, joined party workers and supporters in remembering the late Prime Minister at the memorial site.

In a message shared on X, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge praised Rajiv Gandhi’s leadership and contributions toward shaping modern India. Calling him a “remarkable son of India,” Kharge highlighted several landmark reforms introduced during his tenure, such as reducing the voting age to 18, strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions, promoting the telecom and information technology sectors, introducing computerisation, securing key peace agreements, and implementing progressive education policies.

Kharge said Rajiv Gandhi’s vision of a strong, self-reliant, and forward-looking India continues to inspire generations. He noted that the former Prime Minister played a major role in preparing India for the 21st century through technological advancement and governance reforms. Speaking to reporters at Vir Bhumi, senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda described Rajiv Gandhi as a symbol of hope for the country’s youth. He said Gandhi was committed to India’s development and was poised to return as Prime Minister before his assassination in 1991.

Hooda also spoke about the sacrifices made by the Gandhi family, mentioning leaders from Motilal Nehru to Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi, stating that their contributions were dedicated to the nation rather than personal interests. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also remembered Rajiv Gandhi’s progressive vision, especially in the fields of science, technology, and youth empowerment. He said Rajiv Gandhi was among the first Indian leaders to speak about preparing the country for the 21st century and strongly believed in empowering young people and women.

Gehlot recalled that Rajiv Gandhi faced opposition even within his own party while lowering the voting age to 18, but remained convinced that young citizens would shape India’s future. He added that today’s youth should learn about Rajiv Gandhi’s vision and contributions to the country. Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister in 1984 following the assassination of his mother, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. At the age of 40, he became the youngest Prime Minister in India’s history. He served in the role until December 1989. Born on August 20, 1944, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on May 21, 1991, during an election campaign rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, in a suicide bombing carried out by the LTTE.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.