Rajiv Gandhi remembered in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry on 23rd death anniversary

CHENNAI: Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was today remembered in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on the occasion of his 23rd death anniversary. Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah paid floral tributes to the portrait of Gandhi and administered the anti-terrorism day pledge to officers and staff at Raj Bhavan, an official release here said.

At the state Congress headquarters Sathyamurthy Bhavan, TNCC president B S Gnanadesikan led party supporters in remembering the former Prime Minister. He later said in a statement that the usual pratice of the Chief Minister administering the pledge for state government staff at the Secretariat was 'cancelled', adding that the government should explain why it was not done.

However, officials remained tight-lipped on the matter. In neighbouring Puducherry, Chief Minister N Rangasamy led the Union Territory in remembering Gandhi. Rangasamy administered the "anti-terrorism pledge" while leaders of Hindu, Christian and Islam religions read out the highlights of scriptures of their respective faiths. Students presented devotional songs.

Members of different wings of the opposition Congress led by PCC Chief A V Subramanian and senior leader V Narayanasamy took out a procession from the party office before paying tributes to the leader.

Earlier Narayanasamy paid floral tributes at the portrait of Rajiv Gandhi and recalled his services to the nation at a function on the premises of the Congress Committee office in the town. Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a suicide bomber at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991.