Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, August 20
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday said former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s foresight gave India “a new vision,” laying the foundations of the country’s IT revolution and empowering women in governance. Speaking at a ceremony in Chhota Shimla’s Sadbhavana Chowk to mark the 81st birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi, Sukhu recalled how Gandhi turned a setback into an opportunity when the United States refused to supply India with a supercomputer. “Rajiv Gandhi resolved that the 21st century would belong to India. Today, our dominance in the IT sector is the result of his vision,” the Chief Minister said.
He also praised Gandhi as a social reformer, noting his role in enacting the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments, which introduced 33% reservation for women in panchayats and urban local bodies — later expanded to 50%. Sukhu said this vision continued under Sonia Gandhi’s leadership and was reflected today in the 33% reservation for women in state assemblies. State Congress president Pratibha Singh described Rajiv Gandhi as the architect of modern India, whose foresight ensured India’s rise in information technology and gave direct benefits to the youth.
On the party’s organisational front, Pratibha Singh said efforts were underway to strengthen the Congress structure in Himachal Pradesh. State co-incharge Vidit Chaudhary has been tasked with the exercise, and further discussions are expected in a meeting with senior leader Rajni Patil.
