Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and several state ministers on Thursday, 21 May paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary, honouring him as the architect of India's modern technological and telecommunications revolution. The commemorations were held across Hyderabad and New Delhi, with leaders recalling Gandhi's foundational role in shaping contemporary India.

Vikramarka Pays Respects at Veer Bhoomi

The Deputy Chief Minister, currently on a visit to New Delhi, placed a wreath at Rajiv Gandhi's samadhi at Veer Bhoomi and paid floral tributes. Vikramarka described Gandhi as a leader whose far-sighted vision steered India toward a modern technological era.

'His far-sighted vision in granting voting rights to the youth for the construction of a New India and empowering them remains forever inspiring. The sacrifices he made for the nation's progress and the protection of democratic values were not in vain,' Vikramarka said.

In a post on X, Vikramarka called Gandhi 'the architect of modern India,' adding: 'His unwavering commitment to youth empowerment by lowering the voting age, and his pioneering work in strengthening Panchayati Raj, continue to inspire our path forward. As a proud member of the Congress family, we reaffirm our pledge to uphold the secular values, peace, and progress that he stood and sacrificed his life for. His legacy will forever guide us in building an inclusive and progressive India.'

Ministers Recall Gandhi's Contributions to IT and Telecom

State Minister for Animal Husbandry, Sports and Youth Services Vakiti Srihari described Rajiv Gandhi as the pioneer of India's information revolution. He said Gandhi's contributions to modern India are 'unforgettable,' highlighting that Gandhi laid strong foundations for the information technology sector and opened new avenues for the youth.

Srihari noted that Gandhi would be remembered in history for steering India into the modern era through the computer revolution, development of the telecommunications sector, and the strengthening of the Panchayati Raj system.

Komatireddy Venkat Reddy Leads Tribute at Residence

Minister for Roads and Buildings and Cinematography Komatireddy Venkat Reddy paid floral tributes to a portrait of Rajiv Gandhi at his residence, joined by Indian National Congress (INC) party cadres, leaders, and activists.

'Rajiv Gandhi was the visionary who ushered India into the 21st century and laid the foundation for the modern technological revolution. The progress we witness today in the country's IT and telecom sectors stands upon the very foundation he laid. Rajiv Gandhi was a martyr who sacrificed his very life for the sake of the nation's integrity and unity,' said Venkat Reddy.

Why Gandhi's Legacy Endures in Policy Discourse

Rajiv Gandhi, who served as Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989, is widely credited with initiating India's computer and telecom liberalisation, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 years, and enacting the 73rd Constitutional Amendment that empowered Panchayati Raj institutions. These reforms are frequently cited as precursors to India's subsequent IT boom and democratic deepening at the grassroots level.

Notably, tributes from Telangana's ruling alliance — which includes the Congress — underscore the continued political significance of Gandhi's legacy, particularly as the party seeks to consolidate its position in the state ahead of future electoral cycles.

Looking Ahead

Congress leaders across the country observed Gandhi's death anniversary with similar commemorations, reaffirming commitments to his stated ideals of secularism, youth empowerment, and technological progress. The Telangana government's public observance signals the party's intent to keep Gandhi's legacy central to its political messaging in the state.