Congress Pays Tributes to Rajiv Gandhi on His Birth Anniversary, Observed as Sadbhavana Diwas

New Delhi, Aug 2025 : The Congress party on Wednesday paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his birth anniversary, observed across the country as Sadbhavana Diwas (Harmony Day). Senior leaders, party workers, and family members gathered at Veer Bhumi in the national capital to honor his memory and legacy.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and party General Secretary K.C. Venugopal led the solemn tribute, laying floral offerings at the late Prime Minister’s memorial. Priyanka Gandhi’s husband, businessman Robert Vadra, and their son Raihan Vadra also joined the family in offering respects.

Rajiv Gandhi, India’s sixth Prime Minister, assumed office in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. At just 40 years of age, he became the youngest person to hold the post in India’s history. His tenure, spanning from 1984 to 1989, was marked by significant efforts to modernize the country, particularly through advancements in technology, telecommunications, and education.

Even after stepping down in 1989, Rajiv Gandhi remained an influential political figure, serving as Leader of the Opposition. His career was cut short in May 1991 when he was assassinated in a terrorist attack during an election campaign in Tamil Nadu, just months before a potential return to power.

To mark the occasion, the Congress party shared a message on X, describing Rajiv Gandhi as the “architect of modern India”. The post read: “On the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi ji, we offer countless salutations. On this Sadbhavana Divas, we reaffirm his dreams and resolve to build the India he envisioned.”

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in his tribute, described Gandhi as a “remarkable leader who inspired hope in millions and propelled India into the 21st century.” He added, “Rajiv Gandhi’s innumerable contributions brought transformative change and laid the foundation of a modern India. On his birth anniversary, we pay our deepest respects.”

The day was observed with remembrance, tributes, and calls to uphold Gandhi’s ideals of unity, peace, and harmony in society.