Legacy Lives On: Leaders Recall Rajiv Gandhi’s Vision on 34th Death Anniversary

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, Indian leaders remembered former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 34th death anniversary. The tributes were led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who put up on X (formerly Twitter), "On his death anniversary today, I pay my tributes to our former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi Ji".

 

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who called Rajiv Gandhi "a great son of India," led Rahul Gandhi and other top Congress leaders to Veer Bhumi, the memorial to Rajiv Gandhi in New Delhi, to pay floral homage. Kharge pointed to the late leader's lasting legacy and his contributions to the country.

 

Rajiv Gandhi's son and incumbent Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi posted an emotional message on X: "Papa, your memories guide me at every step. My resolution is to make your unfulfilled dreams come true – and I will definitely fulfill them". The Congress party also seconded this, saying that Rajiv Gandhi's work in the national interest "can never be forgotten".

 

Rajiv Gandhi, who rose to India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 after the assassination of his mother Indira Gandhi in 1984, ruled India until 1989. He was assassinated by LTTE on May 21, 1991, while campaigning in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.

 

Leaders from across the political spectrum, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, also paid their respects, recognizing Rajiv Gandhi’s vision and sacrifice for the nation.

 

Sources: Economic Times, DD News, Times of India, Free Press Journal, Business Standard