Kharge remembers Rajiv Gandhi as architect of modern India on his martyrdom day

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his martyrdom day, describing him as a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India through advances in technology, governance, education, and public welfare.
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‎In a message shared on social media platform X, Kharge reflected on Rajiv Gandhi’s vision for the nation and highlighted several landmark reforms introduced during his tenure as Prime Minister.
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‎Recalling the late Congress leader’s words, Kharge quoted: “India is an old country but a young nation… I dream of India — strong, independent, self-reliant and in the front rank of the nations of the world, in the service of mankind.”
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‎“On his martyrdom day, we pay our deepest respects to Former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi, a remarkable son of India who inspired hope and aspiration in millions across the nation,” Kharge said.
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‎He added that Rajiv Gandhi’s leadership reflected “vision, courage, and a deep belief in India’s future,” noting that his reforms played a key role in preparing the country for the twenty-first century.
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‎Kharge highlighted several major initiatives associated with Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure, including lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 years, strengthening grassroots democracy through Panchayati Raj institutions, and driving India’s telecom and information technology revolution.
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‎“He laid the foundations for the country’s journey into the twenty first century,” Kharge said, also pointing to the former Prime Minister’s emphasis on computerisation, the Universal Immunisation Programme, major peace accords, and an education policy focused on inclusive learning.
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‎The Congress chief said Rajiv Gandhi’s legacy continues to shape India’s development and remains a source of inspiration for future generations.
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‎Rajiv Gandhi served as India’s Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989 and was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1991. He was assassinated on May 21, 1991, during an election campaign in Tamil Nadu. His tenure is widely associated with efforts to modernise governance and expand India’s technology and telecommunications sectors.

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