Maharashtra pays rich tributes to Rajiv Gandhi

The ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies on Thursday paid rich tributes to the memory of the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, saying he laid the foundation for digital India which has made possible the current 'work from home' phase that the country is witnessing in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Leading the state in paying homage, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said it was the late Rajiv Gandhi who laid the foundation of the country's computer and telecommunication sector.

"Today it has become critical for the nation's progress. The contributions of Rajiv Gandhi to development of science, technology and modernization cannot be overlooked. We must strive to root out terror and violence from humanity which would be a real tribute to him," Thackeray said.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said Gandhi pioneered the computer science revolution and the strides made by India in the technology and telecom sectors was because of his far-sightedness.

"He took many revolutionary decisions for the youth of the country. He laid the foundations for a 'digital India', which has made 'work from home' and 'video-conferencing' possible in the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. We must resolve on this day to free minds and society of terror and violence as a genuine tribute to him," Pawar said.

State Congress President and Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat described Rajiv Gandhi as "a visionary PM, an architect of Modern India" whose sacrifices and contributions to nation building can never be forgotten.

Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar said Rajiv Gandhi was the fountainhead of India's technological age, and the youth of the country must work to achieve his vision of a modern India.

Remembering Gandhi, Shiv Sena spokesperson and MP Priyanka Chatruvedi recalled his statement: "India is an old country, but a young nation, and like the young everywhere we are impatient. I am young & I too have a dream."

In a tribute, the NCP lauded Gandhi's contributions for kickstarting the era of Information Technology, Panchayati Raj, voting rights and other revolutionary decisions for the benefit of the country.

( With inputs from IANS )