May 21 marks a sad day, a day that will never be forgotten in the history of Indian politics. On this day, 32 years back, former prime minister and stalwart Congress leader Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated during an election campaign in the year 1991.
Rajiv Gandhi was an Indian politician and the seventh Prime Minister of India. He was born on August 20, 1944, in Mumbai, India, and served as Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989. Rajiv Gandhi was a member of the Indian National Congress party and came from a prominent political family.
Here are some key points to know about Rajiv Gandhi and his death anniversary:
Assassination: Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on May 21, 1991, during a political campaign rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. He was killed by a suicide bomber from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a separatist militant organization from Sri Lanka.
Political Career: Rajiv Gandhi entered politics after the assassination of his mother, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in 1984. He became the leader of the Indian National Congress and took over as Prime Minister. He focused on modernizing India's economy and initiated several reforms, including the introduction of computers and information technology.
Bofors Scandal: Rajiv Gandhi's tenure as Prime Minister was marred by the Bofors scandal, an alleged corruption case involving the purchase of howitzer artillery guns from a Swedish company. The scandal led to a decline in his popularity and ultimately contributed to the defeat of his party in the 1989 general elections.
Personal Life: Rajiv Gandhi was married to Sonia Gandhi, who later became the president of the Indian National Congress. They had two children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who are also active in politics.
Legacy: Rajiv Gandhi's death was a significant loss to the Indian political landscape. He is remembered for his efforts to modernize India and his role in promoting technology and telecommunications. The Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, established in his memory, works on various social and developmental projects in India.
Death Anniversary Observance: The death anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi is observed on May 21st each year. It is a day to remember his contributions to the nation and reflect on his tragic assassination. Various events, remembrance ceremonies, and tributes are organized by the Indian National Congress and other organizations to pay homage to Rajiv Gandhi's legacy.
Remembering Rajiv Gandhi provides an opportunity to reflect on his political career, the impact he had on India, and the tragic circumstances surrounding his assassination. It is a time to honor his memory and the contributions he made during his tenure as Prime Minister.
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