Congress leaders gathered at Shakti Sthal in New Delhi on Tuesday to commemorate the birth anniversary of India’s first and only woman Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, highlighting her enduring legacy in Indian politics.
Rahul Gandhi shares post on Indira Gandhi’s birth anniversary
Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha shared childhood photographs with his grandmother on social media platform X, emphasizing her influence on his political journey. “Grandma was an example of both courage and love. It is from her that I have learnt that the real strength is to fearlessly walk on the path of national interest,” he wrote, adding that her memories continue to guide him.
Who was Indira Gandhi, India’s first woman PM?
Born on November 19, 1917, to Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru, Indira Gandhi served as Prime Minister during two significant periods: January 1966 to March 1977 and January 1980 until her assassination in October 1984. Her tenure, the second-longest after Nehru’s, was marked by landmark economic reforms, including bank nationalization and the abolition of princely purses.
Congress chief also takes to X
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who also paid respects at Shakti Sthal, praised Gandhi’s leadership legacy. “Crores of Indians shall continue to draw inspiration from the ‘Iron Lady of India’… who selflessly contributed to nation building. She sacrificed her life to preserve the unity and integrity of India,” he posted on X.
Indira Gandhi’s life came to a tragic end on October 31, 1984, when she was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards at her residence, following Operation Bluestar at Amritsar’s Golden Temple. The operation, which she had ordered to confront Sikh separatists in the holy shrine, became one of the most controversial decisions of her leadership.
Her tenure shaped modern India through bold reforms and decisive leadership, though it also witnessed periods of significant political turbulence, including the Emergency period from 1975 to 1977.
