New Delhi, May 21:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 34th death anniversary on Wednesday.

Rajiv Gandhi served as India’s Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989. He became Prime Minister after the assassination of his mother, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. At age 40, he was the youngest Prime Minister in India’s history.

On social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, "On his death anniversary today, I pay my tributes to our former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi Ji."

Rajiv Gandhi led India until the 1989 general elections. After that, he was the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He resigned in December 1990. Sadly, he was assassinated six months later in a terrorist attack.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also paid homage on X, saying, "Remembering former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary today."

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge led the Congress party in paying respects to Rajiv Gandhi at Veer Bhumi in New Delhi.

The Congress party shared a tribute on X saying, "On the death anniversary of late Shri Rajiv Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi visited Veer Bhumi and paid emotional tribute. The great work done by Rajiv Gandhi for the nation will never be forgotten."

Mallikarjun Kharge also honored Rajiv Gandhi on X, calling him "a great son of India" who inspired millions. He said, "His visionary and brave actions helped prepare India for 21st-century challenges and opportunities."

Kharge highlighted Rajiv Gandhi’s key achievements: lowering the voting age to 18, strengthening Panchayati Raj, leading the Telecom and IT revolution, promoting computerization, securing peace agreements, launching universal immunization, and introducing an inclusive education policy.

He ended by paying "deepest respects to former PM, Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi on his martyrdom day."