Rajiv Gandhi also made significant contribution to India’s development: Rajnath’s tribute to ex-PM on birth anniversary

New Delhi, Aug 20 (IANS) Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday paid tributes to former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi on his 82nd birth anniversary and lauded his contributions in the nation’s growth journey.

Rajnath took to his X handle to remember the former Prime Minister on his birth anniversary, however his comments, stating that the “latter also made significant contributions”, is expected to fuel a political controversy with rivals taking offence to the ‘insincere and shallow’ tribute.

Rajiv Gandhi’s entry into political sphere had marked a generational shift in the Indian politics as under his leadership, Congress secured one of the largest electoral mandates in country’s history and his governance saw India taking big leap in science and technology.

Rajnath in his tribute wrote, “On the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister of India, Shri Rajiv Gandhi, I pay my tributes to him. He also made a significant contribution to India’s journey of development.”

The political opponents, particularly Congress party is expected to rake up the issue, while taking umbrage at the way Union Minister framed his commemorative message for the country’s youngest PM.

According to some political commentators, the tribute lacks sincerity and respect that a former Prime Minister of his stature deserves.

Notably, the former Prime Minister’s birth anniversary is observed as ‘Sadbhavana Diwas’ (Harmony Day) across the nation.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage to former PM Rajiv Gandhi on his birth anniversary.

Taking to social media handle, PM Modi wrote, “On the occasion of his birth anniversary, paying homage to former Prime Minister of India, Shri Rajiv Gandhi.”

Earlier in the day, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) leader Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, K.C. Venugopal and others paid floral tributes at ‘Veer Bhumi’ on the former Prime Minister’s birth anniversary.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh recalled some notable works done by the late Rajiv Gandhi during his tenure as Prime Minister.

“He gave 18-year-olds, the right to vote by reducing the minimum voting age from 21 years by amending the Constitution; declared January 12th, which is Swami Vivekananda’s birthday, as National Youth Day; produced the New Education Policy of 1988 that, among many other innovations, established the nation-wide network of Navodaya Vidyalayas; had set up the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan covering all districts (since renamed as MY Bharat); and led India decisively into the IT era, creating millions of new employment opportunities,” Ramesh wrote in a post on X.

–IANS

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