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Tributes paid to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at Shakti Sthal in New Delhi on her 42nd death anniversary. (Img: X)
New Delhi: Senior Congress leaders on Saturday paid homage to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 42nd death anniversary, recalling her political legacy, leadership and contribution to India's nation-building. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were among those who offered floral tributes at Shakti Sthal, her memorial in New Delhi.
Former Vice President Hamid Ansari, Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal and several other senior party leaders also joined the commemorative programme, remembering the former Prime Minister's role in shaping India's political and economic trajectory.
The Congress party, in its message on social media, described Indira Gandhi as a symbol of indomitable courage and determination. It recalled her strong leadership and lifelong commitment to the country's unity, integrity and progress.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge paid tribute to the former Prime Minister, describing her as a leader whose courage, resolve and political vision left an enduring imprint on the country.
In his message, Kharge recalled Indira Gandhi's commitment to safeguarding India's sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity. He said her contribution to building a strong and progressive nation continued to remain part of India's collective consciousness.
He also remembered her sacrifice, invoking her words about dedicating every drop of her blood to keeping India united. Kharge said her determination and commitment to the country remained a source of inspiration.
Rahul Gandhi paid floral tributes at Shakti Sthal and also remembered Indira Gandhi through a personal social media message. In a heartfelt post, the Congress leader recalled childhood moments spent with his grandmother, including memories of sitting on her lap and holding her hands. He also shared a photograph from his childhood, offering a personal glimpse into his relationship with the former Prime Minister.
The tribute went beyond her public life as a political leader, reflecting the family's personal memories of a woman whose decisions and leadership shaped several defining chapters of independent India.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also remembered her grandmother by sharing a childhood photograph of the two together. Accompanying the photograph, she described Indira Gandhi as being "free as the sky, deep as the ocean, resilient as the earth and brighter than fire."
The emotional message recalled her grandmother's strength, grace, resilience and personality, adding a personal dimension to the tributes marking the anniversary. The photograph and accompanying words drew attention to Indira Gandhi's identity within the family, alongside her place in India's political history.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar paid tribute to Indira Gandhi, describing her as the Iron Lady of India and recalling her efforts towards the upliftment of economically weaker sections.
In his message, Shivakumar referred to the 'Garibi Hatao' (Abolish Poverty) slogan, which became a defining feature of her political campaign and governance agenda. He also highlighted developments during her tenure in agriculture, banking and India's scientific and strategic capabilities, including the expansion of the country's space and nuclear programmes.
Shivakumar said her decisive political leadership and initiatives had played a significant role in shaping India's development priorities and strengthening its position internationally.
Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also paid homage to the former Prime Minister, emphasising that her contribution and sacrifice continued to evoke respect across the country. He recalled the public affection and regard associated with Indira Gandhi, stating that her commitment to India's security and well-being remained an important part of the nation's historical memory.
Born on November 19, 1917, in Allahabad, Indira Gandhi was the daughter of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Having been associated with the freedom movement from an early age, she went on to become India's first woman Prime Minister on January 24, 1966.
She served as Prime Minister until March 1977 and returned to office in January 1980, remaining in the position until her assassination on October 31, 1984. Her tenure witnessed several consequential developments in India's political, economic and strategic landscape. Among the major policy decisions was the nationalisation of 14 leading commercial banks in 1969, a move that significantly altered the country's banking structure and expanded the role of the public sector in financial services.
Her leadership also coincided with the 1971 India-Pakistan war, which culminated in the creation of Bangladesh, and the expansion of India's agricultural capabilities during the Green Revolution. Her government also advanced the country's nuclear and space programmes.
However, her political legacy remains closely associated with the Emergency imposed between 1975 and 1977, a period marked by the suspension of civil liberties, press censorship and widespread arrests of political opponents. The Emergency remains one of the most controversial chapters in India's democratic history.
Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her bodyguards at her official residence in New Delhi on October 31, 1984.
Forty-two years after her death, tributes from the Congress leadership and members of the Gandhi family once again brought her consequential and contested political legacy into focus, recalling a Prime Minister whose decisions continue to influence discussions on India's political and institutional evolution.
