Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR/JAMMU, May 21: While highlighting the role of former Prime Minister of India late Rajiv Gandhi in strengthening the Panchayati Raj Institution in the country, Minister for Haj, Auqaf and Floriculture and former PCC president Peerzada Mohd Sayeed has said that efforts of late Gandhi brought reforms in Panchayati Raj system.
Addressing a party function organized by the Congress workers to pay tributes to Late Rajiv Gandhi on his 22nd death anniversary at Anantnag today, Peerzada recalled the sacrifice of the late leader and said that he laid down his life for the unity and integrity of the country. He said that decentralization of powers to the rural masses through Panchayat Raj Institution was the dream of late leader which was now being realized into reality by conducting Panchayat elections in the State with the help of UPA Government. He also remembered his contributions for bringing revolution in Information Technology and Communication sector in the country.
The Minister urged upon the party cadre to follow the path shown by Rajiv Gandhi and adopt his ideals in their life. He also called upon the party workers to take Rajiv’s spirit in strengthening the Congress Party.
In a function organized at the party headquarters in Srinagar Minister for PHE, I &FC Sham Lal recalled the sacrifice and services of Rajiv Gandhi for the cause of the country. He described late Rajiv as a visionary leader. He said that Rajiv Gandhi has great role in improving Panchayati Raj system, computer revolution and expansion of IT sector. Massive development in the rural India was witnessed during his tenure as Prime Minister.
Other senior party leaders Shabir Khan, MoS Health, Khem Lata Wakhloo, Mohd Muzaffar Parray, Ghulam Nabi Monga, G N Mir Lasjan, Shamima Sopori, Mohd Anawar Bhat, Pir Nazir Ahmed also paid rich tributes to late leader. They said that his sacrifices will always be remembered by the countrymen and specially the Congressmen.
At PCC office Jammu, a function was organized by District Congress Committee to pay floral tributes to late Rajiv Gandhi. Former MP and senior vice president of PCC Dharma Pal Sharma presided over. Several other senior leaders including Th Hari Singh, Mula Ram, Kanta Bhan, Indu Pawar Parkash Sharma, Shiv Dev Singh, CL Bhat, D S Langeh were also present.
While paying tributes, these leaders said that late Rajiv Gandhi was deeply involved in the service of the people who used to get lot of love and affection, as a result he had been deeply in affection with people and would forget some times to take of his own security. The nation lost a great visionary and dynamic leader.
Mahila Congress workers led by State president and MLA Indu Pawar also paid tributes to late Rajiv Gandhi in a function held at Digiana (Jeevan Nagar) Jammu today. She recalled the services of late Rajiv Gandhi and termed his as great reformer. She also asked the Congress workers to gear up for Local Bodies elections.
Pradesh Youth Congress also organized separate function under the leadership of Manjit Singh Jatt at the party office. The PYC workers paid floral tributes to late Rajiv Gandhi and pledged to work for strengthening the party and follow the ideals of late Gandhi. Kamaljeet, Vijay Magotra Ricky Malhotra, Pankaj Chibber, Vivek and others were also present.
Congress Seva Dal organized a free Yoga camp near DC office here in the morning in connection with the death anniversary of late Rajiv Gandhi. The camp was held under the leadership of Vipin Nischal, Jammu district chief of the Seva Dal.
In Jammu another function was organized by the Congress workers in connection with the Martyrdom Day of Late Rajiv Gandhi. Ex-Mayor Narinder Singh, senior leader Hukam Chand Sharma, Virinder Singh Manhas, Dr Kanwal Singh, Bikram Singh, Vinay Sharma and others were present.
Former Minister and senior Congress leader Abdul Ghani Vakil described late Rajiv Gandhi as visionary leaders who pioneered IT revolution in the country and strengthened Panchayati Raj system. Speaking in a party function at Nowpora in Sopore today, Mr Vakil said Rajiv Gandhi was staunch believer of Gandhian Philosophy and believed in the egalitarian concept of society and equal development. The function was presided over by assembly president Sheikh Mazoor Ahmed. Several other party leaders also addressed the gathering and paid tributes to Late Rajiv Gandhi.
In Kathua town, MLC Subash Gupta presided over a function organized to pay tributes to Rajiv Gandhi. The Congress legislator recalled the sacrifice and services of Late Gandhi. Several other members of DCC unit Kathua were also present. DCC Udhampur also observed 22nd death anniversary and organized a function under the leadership of senior leader Brij Mohan Sharma. A two minute silence was observed to pay respect to the departed leader. The speakers recalled the services of late Gandhi for the country.
Similar functions were held at all the district headquarters, BCC offices across the state. At Bhaderwah, MLC Naresh Gupta presided over, at Akhnoor Baldev Raj Sharma and at Assar ( Doda) Seva Dal leader Surinder Singh Manhas.
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