Shimla : Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi at Sadhbhawana Chowk here today on his 23rd martyrdom day by offering wreath and flowers on his statue.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister said that Shri Rajiv Gandhi was youthful, innovative and charismatic leader under whose leadership country had made rapid strides. He was instrumental in computerization and introduced three tier system in Panchayati Raj. He also lowered the voting age to 18 years thereby making them a part of decision making process.
This day was being observed as Anti-Terrorism Day in the country. Chief Minister administered 'Sadbhawana Shapath' to the people assembled to pay their floral tributes to the former Prime Minister on his death anniversary.
Devotional and patriotic songs were sung on the occasion.
Later, Chief Minister also went to Rajiv Bhawan near lift and paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister late Shri Rajiv Gandhi.
Irrigation and Public Health Minister Smt. Vidya Stokes, Urban Development Minister Shri Sudhir Sharma, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Col. (Retd.) Dr. Dhani Ram Shandil, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Shri Inder Dutt Lakhanpal and Shri Rohit Thakur, Chairman H.P. State Cooperative Bank Shri Harsh Mahajan, Vice Chairman HRTC Shri Kewal Singh Pathania, Mayor Shimla Municipal Corporation Shri Sanjay Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Shimla Municipal Corporation Shri Tikender Panwar, former MLA Shri Harbhajan Singh Bhajji, former Mayors Shri Sohan Lal and Smt. Madhu Sood, Member Executive Council HP University and former Deputy Mayor Shri Harish Janaratha, Shimla District Congress Committee (Urban) President Shri Pardeep Singh, Shimla District Congress Committee (Rural) President Shri Kehar Singh Khachi, Deputy Commissioner Shri Dinesh Malhotra, Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla Shri Amarjeet Singh and other prominent leaders also paid floral tributes to Shri Rajiv Gandhi.