Rahul Gandhi in Amethi flags off new trains, gifts new railway line

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Amethi (UP): Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi visited his Parliamentary constituency Amethi on Tuesday and inaugurated two trains and lay foundation of a new railway line in Salon area.

Rahul Gandhi in (Pushkar) Rajasthan: Congress never ignores poor, whether we win or not

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Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed a mammoth election rally at poll bound Rajasthan and slammed BJP for spreading divisive agenda. “BJP makes people fight with each other, from one caste to another, from one brother to another and makes one state fight with another state.

Rahul Gandhi at Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh: Empower people to tackle corruption

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed a mammoth election rally at Balaghat in poll bound Madhya Pradesh as part of his poll campaign and slammed the BJP for ignoring the welfare and upliftment of the poor. While speaking at Middle School ground, Paldogri at Lanji in the state, Rahul Gandhi continued, "Congress wants welfare and upliftment of the people, along with development. That is why we implemented schemes like MNREGA and Food Security Bill. The MNREGA guarantees jobs to every rural poor, without any discrimination. The Food Security bill is to make sure that no one lives hungry in our country. Every poor will be given food grains at Rs. 1 per kg" and added, "We need roads, airports and railway lines; infrastructure development must take place; we believe in it and the BJP does too. But we also believe that empowerment and upliftment of the people are necessary along with development".

Rahul Gandhi addresses Congress rally at Lanji in Balaghat district (Madhya Pradesh)

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressing a huge election rally at Middle School ground, Paldogri, Lanji at district Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh. He took on ruling BJP government in the state for worsening law and order problems and increasing crimes against women.

Rahul Gandhi at Kukshi (MP) questions BJP’s development claims in the state

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Kukshi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi while addressing a huge election rally at Kukshi in poll bound Madhya Pradesh slammed BJP and asked what development BJP is talking about in the state where the rate of poverty is the highest as per UN report. “BJP has money to serve the elite people, but they do not have money for the poor. That is what happening in MP. UN report says poverty is the highest in MP, the percentage is equal to some African countries. About 1 lakh infants died here. What development BJP is talking about?”

Rahul Gandhi at Sidhi (Madhya Pradesh) says BJP divides people

Addressing a mammoth Congress election rally at Sidhi in poll bound Madhya Pradesh, party Vice President Rahul Gandhi launched a blistering attack on BJP by saying that while Congress treats everyone equal BJP is trying to divide the people. Rahul Gandhi began his address by explaining the difference between the ideologies of the Congress and the BJP. "On one side there is the Congress, and on other is the Opposition. But there is big difference in their thinking. Opposition believes in dividing the people - rich and poor", he said

Rahul Gandhi at Kukshi (MP) questions BJP's development claims in the state

Kukshi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed a huge election rally at Kukshi in Dhar district of the poll bound Madhya Pradesh and asked what development BJP is talking about in the state where the rate of poverty is the highest as per UN report. Launching a blistering attack on BJP, the Congress leader said, "BJP has money to serve the elite people, but they do not have money for the poor. That is what happening in MP. UN report says poverty is the highest in MP, the percentage is equal to some African countries. About 1 lakh infants died here. What development BJP is talking about?"

Rahul Gandhi addresses Congress election rally at Kukshi (Madhya Pradesh)

Kukshi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi while addressing a huge election rally at Kukshi in poll bound Madhya Pradesh slammed BJP and asked what development BJP is talking about in the state where the rate of poverty is the highest as per UN report.

Rahul Gandhi addresses Congress rally at at Chittorgarh (Rajasthan); slams BJP

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed a mammoth election rally at Chittorgarh in poll bound Rajasthan and alleged that BJP does not think about the future but only bothered about the present. He also accused it of favouring the interests of businessmen and industrialists over those of the common man.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi in Ambedkar Nagar

Congress Vice President addressed a huge Congress rally in Ambedkar Nagar, Delhi. He said Every single man is equal to us whether he belongs from any community, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian or from any caste or creed and even belongs from any part of the country. You go places like Karnataka and Maharashtra and they make you run from there, especially those who come from UP and Bihar. Mrs Sheila's government has performed so well and everybody accepts that and she will do well in near future. She has done exceptionally well as far as infrastructure is concern and develops the metro as well and mono-rail is also coming to Delhi. On one hand Mrs. Sheila has work with dedication as her track record suggests on other hand there is BJP who only talks and doesn't do any work here.

Rahul Gandhi addresses election rally at Ambedkar Nagar (New Delhi)

Congress vice-president addressed a huge Congress rally in Ambedkar Nagar, Delhi. He said Every single man is equal to us whether he belongs from any community, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian or from any caste or creed and even belongs from any part of the country. You go places like Karnataka and Maharashtra and they make you run from there, especially those who come from UP and Bihar. Mrs Sheila's government has performed so well and everybody accepts that and she will do well in near future. She has done exceptionally well as far as infrastructure is concern and develops the metro as well and mono-rail is also coming to Delhi. On one hand Mrs. Sheila has work with dedication as her track record suggests on other hand there is BJP who only talks and doesn't do any work here.

Rahul Gandhi addresses election rally at Raipur (Chhattisgarh)

We have been told that Congress party doesn't take any action against terrorism. Our whole leadership is being killed. Our leaders had risen from the ground levels that were fighting for Chhattisgarh; killed by Naxals even Shukla ji and his son were killed. It's a long list. Nothing took place for that, nobody got to know about this. People are being killed here on regular basis.There are more Moaists dominant place here than any other state. BJP questions us that we are not doing anything against terrorism. You people please explain this to me that BJP's leaders roam around in other states but they never speak a word against terrorism here. Where there is fear and violence take place then it's difficult to develop there. True! They go to other states and cry over corruption but don't they see corruption over here? People know who is corrupt and who is not, how much money has come from centre government, people know everything.

Rahul Gandhi at Kharsia (Chhattisgarh) addresses election rally

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi while addressing a huge election rally in Kharsia in poll bound in Chhattisgarh, appealed that people must remember the great sacrifice of former Congress leader late Mr. Nandu Kumar Pate, who was killed by Maoists, alongwith several other senior party leaders in Jiram Vallery on 25th may this year.

Rahul Gandhi watches Sachin's last test match at Wankhade stadium, Mumbai

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi is watching master blaster and retiring cricketer Sachin Tendulkar's last test match at Wankhade stadium Mumbai. The cricket icon plays his last test -- his 200th match.

Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi pay homage to Pandit Nehru on his 124th birth anniversary

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The nation on Thursday remembered the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on his 124th birth anniversary. Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and other dignitaries paid floral tributes at his memorial - Shanti Van in New Delhi. A series of functions are being organised across the country to mark the occasion. The day is also observed as the 'Children's Day' in India as Pandit Nehru had great affection for children. They fondly called him 'Chacha' Nehru. Celebrating Children's Day is about giving children the right to enjoy and grow into healthy and educated citizens of the country.

Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi pay tribute to Pandit Nehru on his 124th birth anniversary

The nation on Thursday remembered the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on his 124th birth anniversary. Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and other dignitaries paid floral tributes at his memorial - Shanti Van in New Delhi. A series of functions are being organised across the country to mark the occasion. The day is also observed as the 'Children's Day' in India as Pandit Nehru had great affection for children. They fondly called him 'Chacha' Nehru. Celebrating Children's Day is about giving children the right to enjoy and grow into healthy and educated citizens of the country.

Rahul Gandhi at Kanker (Chhattisgarh): Congress will form a government of aam aadmi

Kanker (Chhattisgarh): Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday addressed a massive election rally at Kanker in poll bound Chhattisgarh. While speaking on the occasion, the Congress leader hit out at the BJP government in Chhattisgarh, accusing it of snatching the rights of people, especially tribals. The Congress Vice President said that people will see a miracle once a Congress government is formed in Chhattisgarh.

Rahul Gandhi in Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh) slams state BJP Govt, call it champion of corruption

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed a huge election rally in Rajnandangaon at poll bound Chhattisgarh on Friday. He slammed the ruling the BJP government in the state calling it the world champions in corruption. "BJP is the champion of corruption; it is the world champion in corruption" he said.

Rahul Gandhi addressing Congress rally at Kanker Chhattisgarh

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi is Speaking at on election rally at Kanker in poll bound Chhattisgarh.

Rahul Gandhi addressing Congress rally at Rajnandgaon Chhattisgarh

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi is Speaking at on election rally at Rajnandgaon in poll bound Chhattisgarh.

Rahul Gandhi in Pulwama (Jammu and Kashmir) speaks after inaugurating cold-storage factory

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Srinagar: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir Pulwama on Thursday. Rahul Gandhi inaugurated a cold-storage facility and addressed a public rally at Lassipora in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.

Rahul Gandhi in Pulwama (Jammu and Kashmir) speaks after inaugurating cold-storage factory

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Srinagar: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir Pulwama on Thursday. Rahul Gandhi inaugurated a cold-storage facility and addressed a public rally at Lassipora in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.

Rahul Gandhi: Focus of UPA has been to empower youth

Srinagar: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir Pulwama on Thursday.  Rahul Gandhi inaugurated a cold-storage facility and addressed a public rally at Lassipora in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.

“Kashmir is famous for apples. We want the apples from here reach places across the world. You need better technology and other infrastructure for that. You also need better connectivity with banks,” said the Congress Vice President. He also said that the Congress-led UPA Government at the centre has been giving priority to ensure jobs for the youth in Kashmir and other states. 

The Congress leader added that the educated youth must get proper skill development training too. “We have already taken several initiatives in this direction” said Rahul Gandhi and added “We also initiated several projects for women empowerment also and also sent funds for J&K. Lots of women are getting its benefits too”.

Rahul Gandhi is also scheduled to visit Budgam to take stock of various self-help groups launched under flagship scheme ‘Umeed’ and also will attend a function organised under it at Budgam stadium.

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Rahul Gandhi in Pulwama (J&K) addresses gathering after inaugurating cold-storage factory

Srinagar: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir Pulwama on Thursday. Rahul Gandhi inaugurated a cold-storage facility and addressed a public rally at Lassipora in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.

कांग्रेस उपाध्यक्ष श्री राहुल गांधी ने जम्मू-कश्मीर के अपने दो दिवसीय दौरे के पहले दिन जम्मू संभाग के पंचायत प्रतिनिधियों को संबोधित किए

जम्मू-कश्मीर में सरपंच का, पंच का या लोकल बॉडी के जो नेता है उनका अधिकार क्या है बता दो हमको? कोई अधिकार है आपका? देखिए इक्कीसवी सदी के राजनीति में पंच, सरपंच व लोकल बॉडी के नेताओं को शक्ति देनी पड़ेगी। क्योंकि जो निर्णय लिया जाएगा वह गांव में लिया जाएगा। छोटे-छोटे कस्बों में लिया जाएगा और आपके बिना यह काम किया नहीं जा सकता। जम्मू और कश्मीर को बदलना है तो दो-तीन चीजे करनी है। सबसे पहले और सबसे जरूरी जो हमारे सरपंच है जो हमारे लोकल बॉडी के नेता हैं उनको पावर देनी है। उनको जिम्मेदारी देनी है। दूसरी बात जो जम्मू-कश्मीर के युवा है उनको ट्रेनिंग देनी है और उनको रोजगार दिलवाना है।

तीसरी बात जो जम्मू और कश्मीर की रीढ़ की हड्डी  है। जो हमारी महिलाएं है, जो मुझे यहां कम दिखाई दे रही हैं आज। उनकी मद्द करनी है। इन तीन चीजों को कांग्रेस पार्टी आगे बढ़ाने की कोशिश कर रही है। हिमायत का प्रोग्राम है, उम्मीद का प्रोग्राम है। हजारों युवाओं को हम रोजगार व ट्रेनिंग दे रहे है। जो जानकारी आपके पास है, गांव की जानकारी, छोटे-छोटे कस्बों की जानकारी, वह मिनिस्टर के पास और एमएलए व एमपी के पास नहीं है। उनके पास दूसरी जानकारी है, उनका दूसरा रोल है। उनका कानून बनाने में रोल है। मगर लोकल काम करने का रोल आपका है।

यहां हमारी सरकार है और मैं आपको एक बात कहना चाहता हूं कि हमारा दबाव यहां पूरा है और 73वें 74वें संशोधन को यहां पर हम आगे बढ़ाएंगे और लागू करेंगे। आपका जो हक है वह आपको मिलेगा और यह लड़ाई मैं आपके लिए लडूंगा। मैं यहां आता रहूंगा, दबाव ड़ालता रहूंगा, जब तक यह काम नहीं हुआ। रिफ्यूजी की बात और मैं जानता हूं कि उनको कष्ट होता है। उनको भी मैं कहना चाहता हूं कि कांग्रेस पार्टी आपकी लड़ाई लड़ेगी और जो भी हम आपके लिए कर सकते हैं हम करेंगे। अंबिका जी ने बार्डर की बात की बिल्कुल सहीं बात है। हमारी लड़ाई आपके साथ है। हम आपके साथ खड़े है और जो भी हम जम्मू-कश्मीर के लिए कर सकते है हम करने को तैयार है। मैं चाहता हूं कि जम्मू-कश्मीर की जनता को शक्ति मिले, अधिकार मिले। अभी मैने चीफ मिनिस्टर से बात की भोजन के अधिकार के बारे में। उनके कंसर्ट थे कि थोड़ा कम भोजन आएगा भोजन के अधिकार से और हमने उनसे कहा कि देखिए यही समस्या केरला मे थी, यही समस्या तमिलनाडु में थी और हमने, दिल्ली की सरकार ने उनकी मद्द की। जिस प्रकार हमने उनकी मद्द की उसी प्रकार हम आपकी भी मद्द करने वाले हैं।

तो भोजन का अधिकार यहां पर लागू होना चाहिए और जो भी कमियां हैं हम उनको पूरा कर देंगे, कोई प्राब्लम नहीं है। क्योंकि हम चाहते है कि जो भी फायदा यूपीए की सरकार बाकी प्रदेशों को दे रही है, चाहें वह भोजन का अधिकार हो, भूमि अधिग्रहण बिल की बात हो, पंचायती राज की बात हो, जो भी हम बाकि प्रदेशों में कर रहे है, हम जम्मू-कश्मीर में करे। जितनी मजबूती हम सरपंचों व पंचों को हम बाकि प्रदेशों में दे रहे हैं, हम यहां देना चाहते है। अगर आप केरला जाएं, तमिलनाडु जाएं, वहां राजनीति में मजा आता है। क्यों? क्योंकि सरपंचों के पास अधिकार है। डिस्ट्रिक्ट प्लान बनते है, लोकल पार्टिसिपेशन होता है, मीटिंग होती है, जनता की बाते निकलती है। यही राजनीतिक भविष्य है और यही जम्मू-कश्मीर में होगा।

मैं यहां इसलिए आया हूं, मैं आपको आश्वासन देना चाहता हूं कि आने वाले समय में आपको अधिकार मिलेगे और जब तक नहीं मिलेगा मैं यहां आता रहूंगा और आपकी लड़ाई लड़ता रहूंगा। जो भी इश्यू है, रिजर्वेशन की बात है, महिलाओं की रिजर्वेशन की बात है। उन इश्यू को हम रिजॉल्व करके आपके अधिकार को हम आपको देने वाले हैं। बस यही मेरा आपके लिए संदेश है। देखिए पहली बात यह है कि अगर मैं आपकी बात नहीं सुनना चाहता तो मुझे यहां आने की कोई जरूरत नहीं पड़ती। मैं यहां इसलिए आया हूं क्योंकि मैं आपकी बात सुनना चाहता हूं और मैं आपकी लड़ाई लड़ना चाहता हूं। भूमि अधिग्रहण बिल को लाने के लिए भट्टा पारसौल में लड़ाई शुरू हुई और भूमि अधिग्रहण बिल आया। कितना समय लगा? साल, डेढ़ साल लगा। आपको ये लड़ाई लड़नी है और हम आपके साथ खड़े हैं। राज्य सरकार पर दबाव डालेंगे।

आप घबराओं मत और यह काम हम करके दिखाएंगे। मगर यह काम एक मिनट में नहीं होने वाला है। इस काम के लिए आपको एक साथ खड़ा होना पड़ेगा। एक साथ लड़ना पड़ेगा। हम सबको एक साथ मिलकर दबाव डालना पड़ेगा। ये मुफ्त में नहीं मिलने वाला है। आप यह मत सोचों कि एक मिनट में यह काम किया जा सकता है। मगर हम आपको यह आश्वासन देना चाहता हूं कि यह काम हम करके दिखाएंगे। हम आपके साथ खड़े है और यह काम सौ प्रतिशत होगा। आप सब दूर-दूर से आये इसके लिए आप सबका धन्यवाद, नमस्कार।

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Rahul Gandhi to sarpanchs at Panchayat leaders conference in Jammu: I will fight for you rights

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi began his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday by addressing a panchayat leaders’ conference at Jammu. Speaking to a gathering of panchayat members and sarpanches, Rahul Gandhi said in the present political environment, local leaders need to be empowered. “In 21st century politics, the local leaders need to be empowered” asserted the Congress Vice President. “If the situations need to change in J&K, we need to give power and responsibilities to our Sarpanches and local bodies” he added.

“If we want to change J&K we should focus on two-three factors. The local leaders need to be empowered; youth need to be given proper skill development training and employment; and finally the women in J&K, who are our backbone, have to be helped” explained Rahul Gandhi.

Since 2004, there is UPA Government in Delhi and our focus since 2004 has been on giving rights to people of this country. We passed the food security bill. We didn't want anyone to be hungry in this country. Look at our programs, MNREGA or Food security bill, the truth is that without Panchayati Raj and Sarpanches, these programs can't function.

These programs develop from villages. Sarpanches and Panchayats will have to support the government. Some critical decisions will be taken in small villages, and we can't do it without your cooperation. If the situations need to change in J&K, we need to give power and responsibilities to our Sarpanches and local bodies.

What power a sarpanch or panch posses in J&K? Does a sarpanch, local body leader in Jammu and Kashmir have any powers? In 21st century politics, the local leaders need to be empowered. Normally the major decisions are being taken by the government behind closed doors, but without you those cannot be implemented. If we want to change J&K we should focus on two-three factors. The local leaders need to be empowered; youth need to be given proper skill development training and employment; and finally the women in J&K, who are our backbone, have to be helped. I can't see many women here today.  This has been the focus of the Congress party too. We are providing training to thousands of youth under our schemes Himayat and Umeed.

What you can do, no MLA or minister can do. The local work needs to be done by you - that is your role. The roles of MLAs and ministers are different. They are lawmakers. But it is your responsibility to take decisions on local issues and to implement it. We have a government supported by us and we will fight for the rights of the people.  We will implement 73rd, 74th Amendment here. You will get your rights, I will fight for you. I will keep coming here till you get your rights.

I am also aware of the issues of the refuges here. I understand their difficulties. I want to assure them that the Congress party will extend all possible help for them and will fight for their rights too.
Ambika Soni ji had just spoken about the border issues. We will stand by you in your fight. We will do whatever possible for  the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We want to empower you. We want to ensure that you get your rights.

I have just spoken to the Chief Minister about Food Security Bill and he was concerned that a little less food will be allocated under the new law. The states like Kerala also had the same issue and the Centre took adequate remedial measures to solve those problems. We will do the same in Jammu and Kashmir too. We want the law implemented here as well and we will make up the deficit. Whatever we are doing in the rest of the states, we want to do that in J&K. Food security Bill, land acquisition bill and Panchayati raj need to be implemented in J&K also like in any other state.

Look at Kerala where the Sarpanchs are empowered.  There are local body meetings, district body meetings and people’s opinions are heard. That is the political future and that is what should happen in J&K. We should follow what states like Kerala & Tamil Nadu are doing in terms of local governance. I will make sure that this happens in J&K too and I will fight for you to achieve it and until it happens I will keep coming back. The Congress will resolve issues of reservation, women's rights and empower the people of J&K.

This is what I wanted to tell you. Thank you very much.

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Rahul Gandhi in J&K, addresses Panchayat leaders conference at Jammu

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi began his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday by addressing a panchayat leaders' conference at Jammu. "If we want to change J&K we should focus on two-three factors. The local leaders need to be empowered; youth need to be given proper skill development training and employment; and finally the women in J&K, who are our backbone, have to be helped" explained Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi speaks at Panchayat leaders meet at Jammu stresses for more powers to local body leaders

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Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi began his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday by addressing a panchayat leaders’ conference at Jammu. Speaking to a gathering of panchayat members and sarpanches, Rahul Gandhi said in the present political environment, local leaders need to be empowered. “In 21st century politics, the local leaders need to be empowered” asserted the Congress Vice President. “If the situations need to change in J&K, we need to give power and responsibilities to our Sarpanches and local bodies” he added. “If we want to change J&K we should focus on two-three factors. The local leaders need to be empowered; youth need to be given proper skill development training and employment; and finally the women in J&K, who are our backbone, have to be helped” explained Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi struck a chord with the participants in the conference by saying “We have a government supported by us and we will fight for the rights of the people. We will implement 73rd, 74th Amendment here. You will get your rights, I will fight for you. I will keep coming here till you get your rights” and the gathering greeted it with loud applauds. “Whatever we are doing in the rest of the states, we want to do that in J&K. Food security Bill, land acquisition bill and Panchayati raj need to be implemented in J&K also like in any other state,” commented the Congress leader.

Rahul Gandhi addresses Panchayat leaders' meet at Jammu

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi began his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday by addressing a panchayat leaders' conferences. While speaking on the occasion, he stressed for the need to empower the panchayats for attaining proper development.

Remembering Indira Gandhi on her 29th death anniversary

"I don't mind if my life goes in the service of the nation. If I die today every drop of my blood will invigorate the nation". In these last words of Indira Gandhi, India’s former Prime Minister, there was courage, belief and faith.

Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi, who served as the Prime Minister of India for three consecutive terms (1966-77) and a fourth term (1980-84) was assassinated on 31 October in 1984. The assassination which changed the history of India was said to have been motivated by Operation Blue Star, an attack on Sikh separatists holed up in Golden Temple complex in Amritsar.

At twelve years of age, Indira Priyadarshini became the leader of a children’s group, whose purpose was to help end British control in India. In 1938, she joined the Indian National Congress Party, something she always longed to do. In 1942, she married Feroze Gandhi. Soon after the couple was married, they were sent to prison on charges of subversion by the British.

Noted for her charismatic authority and political astuteness, Indira Gandhi adhered to the progressive policies of industrial development that were begun by her father, Jawaharlal Nehru, who became the Prime Minister after India won its independence in 1947. As a minister, Indira Gandhi encouraged and started a family planning program. She also promoted the views of Nehru to establish India’s stability and security interests as independent from those of the nuclear superpowers, by authorizing the development of nuclear weapons in 1967.

On the international plane too she left her distinct imprint whether as the chairperson of the Non-Aligned Movement or as a champion of environmental protection at various global fora. In all such activities she came in direct conflict with international vested interests entrenched in the West. She was intensely disliked by the prevailing leaderships of the US under Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan who held her in profound distrust. She endeared herself to almost all the prominent leaders of the newly independent developing states of Africa, Latin America and the Arab world.

She was also the leader who transformed India’s chronic food shortages into surplus production of wheat, rice, cotton and milk through the Green Revolution. On Nehru’s death in 1964, Indira Gandhi was elected to Parliament in his place. After acting as Minister of Information and Broadcasting (1964-6), Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister on the death of Lal Shastri in 1966. In 1971, her popularity made her win again by an enormous margin. The second female in the world to hold the office of prime minister, after Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka, Indira Gandhi remains the world’s second longest serving female Prime Minister as of 2011.

Indira Gandhi is today best remembered for her ”Garibi Hatao” slogan during the fifth general elections in March 1971, the successful leadership during the 1971 war against Pakistan, the nationalization of all banks in the country in 1969, the ‘Green Revolution’ under her leadership, and the Lenin Peace Prize (for 1983-84) and as  India’s first women Prime Minister.

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