New Delhi [India], May 21: On the 34th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, tributes poured in from leaders across the political spectrum. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra offered an emotional homage, recalling her father as a true patriot who lived and died for his country.
“I understood the true meaning of patriotism from Rajiv ji—to be truthful to your country, to respect its people, to fulfil your duty despite every struggle, and to die for your country with a smile on your face,” Priyanka posted on X.
Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in a suicide bombing on May 21, 1991, during an election campaign in Tamil Nadu.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his respects, posting on X: “On his death anniversary today, I pay my tributes to our former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi Ji.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, paying floral tributes at Veer Bhumi in Delhi, shared a heartfelt message: “Papa, your memories guide me at every step. I resolve to make your unfulfilled dreams come true—and I will fulfil them.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge remembered Rajiv Gandhi as “a great son of India” whose visionary reforms helped shape the nation’s path into the 21st century.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot lauded Rajiv Gandhi’s leadership: “Rajiv Gandhi was a visionary who gave India a progressive outlook. His decisions took India to new heights. His contribution is an inspiration to us, and his memory will always live in our hearts.”
The Congress Party also posted a tribute on X, describing his contributions to modern India as “unforgettable.”
Across the country, party leaders and chief ministers marked the occasion. Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu garlanded Rajiv Gandhi’s statue at Sadbhawana Chowk in Chhota Shimla, while Telangana CM Revanth Reddy paid tribute at the Secretariat. Odisha Congress chief Bhakta Charan Das remembered Rajiv Gandhi’s sacrifice and commitment to building a confident and self-reliant India.
Senior leaders Ashok Gehlot and Govind Singh Dotasara paid respects at a memorial, recalling Rajiv Gandhi’s vision for a modern and technologically advanced India.
Rajiv Gandhi became India’s youngest Prime Minister in October 1984, following the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi. Born on August 20, 1944, he served as Prime Minister until December 2, 1989. Under his leadership, India began modernising its economy with significant strides in telecommunications, education, and technology.
He played a pivotal role in laying the foundation of India’s IT revolution, promoting computerisation and software development. His policies facilitated the establishment of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) in 1988 and pushed for computer education in schools and colleges.
His vision for a forward-looking, technologically empowered India continues to influence the country’s development trajectory.