Rajiv- The youthful PM, with special love for Punjab
Chandigarh, 20 August 2021 : As the nation remembers former Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi on his birth anniversary today his special love for the state of Punjab can’t go unnoticed.
The youthful Prime Minister who assumed office in 1984 after the sad assassination of his mother Mrs Indira Gandhi emerged as a symbol of new India at that time. After from preparing the country for the computerised 21st century Rajiv Gandhi paid special attention on resolving the vex issues confronted by the country. Such was his vision and understanding that he carved out an elite force today known as National Security Guards (NSG) to conduct counter insurgency operations and the successful use of it was witnessed in attack on Akshardham Temple and then during 9/11 attack.
The Bofors guns purchased by him proved to be a strong armour in the defence of the country. He also made sincere effort for resolving the Punjab crisis and Rajiv-Longowal accord was a right step in this direction. He knew importance of Punjab and that’s why despite of security threat he visited Hussainiwala to pay respects to Shaheed Bhagat Singh the real hero of country and ensured the facelift of the sacred place, which is source of attraction for several youth today.
Not only this bringing Punjab on map of industrialisation during the troublesome period Rajiv Gandhi gifted the multi crore Rail Coach Factory at Kapurthala to Punjab. Apart from putting the state on national roadmap this also gave direct and indirect employment to thousands of people thereby putting the state on high growth trajectory. Politically too he appointed the son of soil Buta Singh, a native of Punjab, as his Home Minister, the position considered number two in the echelons of power. Rajiv’s connection with Punjab remained strong even after he was ousted from power and he remained concerned about the state forever.
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