Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tributes to former prime minister Indira Gandhi on her 108th birth anniversary, marking the day with a brief message on X.
"Tributes to former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on the occasion of her birth anniversary," Modi wrote in the post.
Senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and K.C. Venugopal visited Shakti Sthal in New Delhi to offer floral tributes. The leaders recalled Gandhi’s legacy, describing her as a decisive figure who shaped India’s political and development trajectory.
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Congress recalls Gandhi's leadership and contributions
Rahul Gandhi termed her a source of enduring inspiration, citing her courage and devotion to the nation. Mr. Kharge cited her political will and decades of service to the people, while Mr. Venugopal pointed at her contribution to strengthening India's position internationally and protecting national interests.
The Congress party also recalled her important contributions and posted on X saying, "On her birth anniversary, we honour Indira ji's fearless leadership, decisive vision and unwavering commitment to India’s progress."
From the Green Revolution to the liberation of Bangladesh, her bold leadership shaped a strong, self-reliant nation that bowed to no superpower.
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Born on November 19, 1917, Indira Gandhi was the prime minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and from 1980 until her assassination in October 1984. She remains the first and so far the only woman to become prime minister of India and is widely remembered for her central role during major national events, including the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War.
It is her image as India's "Iron Lady"-a moniker popularised internationally by none other than former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger-which had been shaped by her firm approach to governance and foreign policy. Despite early criticism in her political career, she went on to establish herself as one of the most influential leaders in India's history.
