New Delhi, August 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 82nd birth anniversary, acknowledging his contribution to India’s development.
In a post on X, Singh 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.”
Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary is observed as ‘Sadbhavana Diwas’ (Harmony Day) across the country. He became Prime Minister in 1984 following the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi, and led the Congress to one of its biggest electoral victories in the 1984 Lok Sabha elections.
During his tenure, the country witnessed a greater emphasis on science and technology, telecommunications, education and youth participation. His government also lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years through a constitutional amendment.
Singh’s tribute comes amid tributes from leaders across the political spectrum. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage to Rajiv Gandhi, writing on X: “On the occasion of his birth anniversary, paying homage to former Prime Minister of India, Shri Rajiv Gandhi.”
Congress leaders, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and K.C. Venugopal, paid floral tributes at Veer Bhumi in New Delhi.
Kharge described Rajiv Gandhi as a visionary leader who helped prepare India for the “promise of the 21st century”, highlighting his faith in the country’s youth, technological progress and new ideas.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh also recalled several initiatives associated with Rajiv Gandhi, including lowering the voting age, the 1988 National Education Policy, expansion of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and measures that helped accelerate India’s entry into the information technology era.
Rajnath Singh’s reference to Rajiv Gandhi’s contribution to India’s development comes as political parties continue to commemorate the former Prime Minister’s legacy on his birth anniversary.
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