Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, HPCC President Pratibha Singh, ministers Anirudh Singh, Dhaniram Shandil, Rohit Thakur and other Congress leaders paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her birth anniversary at the Ridge on Wednesday. They recalled her contributions to India’s unity, courage and global stature.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Sukhu said everyone must remember Indira Gandhi’s contribution. “Today is the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi ji. We are offering our heartfelt tributes to her. Because of her courage and determination, she became the first woman Prime Minister of the country,” he said.
Sukhu pointed out Indira Gandhi’s efforts to protect India’s territorial and national integrity. "For the unity and integrity of the nation, she sacrificed her life. The Bangladesh that exists today was the result of her vision. She believed that India, surrounded by enemies on several sides, must be freed from those challenges, and she created a new nation in the form of Bangladesh. Only Indira Gandhi could have achieved this; she alone had such courage," he said.
He said her ideals continue to guide Congress workers. “We must walk on the path she showed us. She remains a source of inspiration for every Congress worker,” he said.
Sukhu said her leadership laid the foundation for India’s development. "Her leadership in poverty alleviation, economic reforms, nationalisation of banks, boosting agricultural productivity, employment generation and social empowerment was unparalleled," he said.
He said Indira Gandhi made the supreme sacrifice to protect the nation’s unity and integrity.
Responding to criticism from Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, who said the government was planning celebrations despite disaster conditions, Sukhu clarified that the upcoming programme marking three years of the Congress government was meant for disaster-hit families.
"This programme is being organised for the disaster victims, and more assistance will be provided to them. Whenever a disaster occurs, it is the duty of the government to provide relief to those affected, and we are doing exactly that," he said.
Sukhu reiterated that the state government remains committed to rehabilitation and relief work after the recent calamities.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, HPCC President Pratibha Singh, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLA Sanjay Rattan, Harish Janartha, Ranjeet Singh Rana and Malender Rajan, Principal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, HIMUDA Vice Chairman Yashwant Chajta, Mayor Surendra Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Councillors, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, SP Sanjeev Gandhi and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
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