HYDERABAD: Calling on people to observe the death anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi on May 21, senior Congress leader V. Hanumantha Rao said the former Prime minister should be remembered for giving voting rights to youth at 18 years and for empowering women by bringing in the 73rd and 74th Amendments and enabled women to play a vital role in public life.
The senior Congress leader said Rajiv was also credited with facilitating the growth of the software industry currently employing lakhs of youth. “He made me the PCC president and wanted to make me chief minister but the situation did not favour me then,” Hanumantha Rao said.
“We will pay homage at his statue in Somajiguda on his death anniversary. Rahul Gandhi has that blood in him and gives importance to the backward classes,” he said.
Responding to queries if leaders who have shifted to other parties are welcome to join the Congress, Hanumantha Rao said, “They are welcome but cannot expect plum posts immediately. Many want to join us, as the situation is favourable to us. I will convey this to the high command.”
