The Congress party on Friday paid heartfelt tributes to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary. Party leader Rahul Gandhi described her as “fearless and unflinching while facing the powerful” and said she “taught us that nothing is more important than India’s self-respect”.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, along with former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, laid floral tributes at Indira Gandhi’s memorial, Shakti Sthal, and later visited her residence at 1, Safdarjung Road.
In a post in Hindi on X, Kharge said, “Humble tribute to the epitome of courage, India’s first Prime Minister and our role model, Indira Gandhi on her martyrdom day.”
Several senior Congress leaders were also present to pay their respects to the former prime minister, who is remembered for her decisive leadership and lasting influence on Indian politics.
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“She has played a key role in preserving the unity and integrity of India through her strong will, deft leadership and vision and in building a strong, progressive India,” Kharge said.
In another post, the Congress president said: “Millions of Indians will forever find inspiration in the life of the ‘Iron Lady of India’, the saintly Indira Gandhi, a symbol of resilience, courage and visionary leadership.”
“Her steadfast commitment to India’s progress and unity remains in our hearts and minds. She laid down her life in the service of the nation, protecting its integrity and spirit. Our humble tribute at Shakti Sthal,” he said, sharing photos of him and other Congress leaders paying floral tributes to Indira Gandhi at Shakti Sthal.
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Posting in Hindi on X, Rahul Gandhi said, “‘Bharat ki Indira’ – fearless, determined and unflinching while facing the powerful. Grandma, you taught us that nothing is more important than Indian identity and self-respect. Your courage, compassion and patriotism continue to inspire me in every step I take.”
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recalled how in 1977 she traveled first by car, jeep and tractor and then rode an elephant to Belchhi in Bihar in an “extraordinary and spontaneous outreach to families devastated by caste atrocities”.
The Congress General Secretary in charge of communications claimed that Gandhi was a man of extraordinary courage, bravery, perseverance and resilience.
Ramesh also pointed out that a day after her visit to Belchchi village, she met her then bitter political critic and adversary Jayaprakash Narayan in Patna.
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“Today, the nation remembers the indomitable Indira Gandhi and pays tribute on the 41st anniversary of her martyrdom. She was a personality of extraordinary courage, bravery, perseverance and resilience,” he said.
It was on a rainy August 13, 1977, that she traveled first by car, jeep and tractor and then rode an elephant to the remote village of Belchhi in Bihar, Ramesh recalled.
“This extraordinary and spontaneous assistance to families devastated by caste atrocities marked her political revival,” he said.
Ramesh also shared X pictures of Gandhi on an elephant visiting Belchhi.
“Incidentally, a day later she met her then bitterest political critic and adversary Jayaprakash Narayan in Patna. The two spent an hour together reminiscing about their deep personal connection spanning four decades,” Ramesh said.
The then Prime Minister was assassinated here by her bodyguards on this day in 1984. Indira Gandhi was India’s first female Prime Minister. She was born on November 19, 1917.
Congress General Secretary of the organization KC Venugopal said that on this day in 1984 “one of India’s greatest leaders was martyred”.
“She steadfastly stood for India’s sovereignty and integrity and paid the price with her own life. I pay tribute to our guiding light, India’s Iron Lady Smt. Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary. Her life, from participating in our freedom struggle as a child to leading India through turbulent times with great courage and vision, will always be an inspiration to every Indian.”
“We pledge to dedicate our lives to the vision Indira saw for our country!” said Venugopal.
The Congress, from its official X handle, said: “We pay heartfelt tributes to the country’s first woman Prime Minister, ‘Bharat Ratna’, Mrs. Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary. Indira Gandhi, the epitome of strength, determination and powerful leadership, is a source of inspiration for millions of Indians.”
Several Congress leaders also paid tributes to Indira Gandhi.
(With inputs from news agency PTI)
