President, PM, political leaders pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Shastri

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders across the political spectrum paid their respects to Mahatma Gandhi and India’s second prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversary on Wednesday (October 2).

“On behalf of all citizens, I pay my humble tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his 155th birth anniversary,” President Murmu wrote on X.

The president, in another post, said Shastri presented highest ideals of simplicity, honesty and patriotism throughout his life. “On the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, I pay my humble tribute to him,” she said.

“Shastri ji presented the highest ideals of simplicity, honesty and patriotism throughout his life. Under his strong leadership, India achieved economic, strategic and other successes. Let us take inspiration from his life and pledge to build a strong India,” President Murmu wrote in Hindi.

PM’s homage

Prime Minister Modi wrote on X that Bapu’s life and ideals based on truth, harmony, and equality would always be an inspiration for the people.

Gandhi, hailed as the father of the nation, steadfastly followed the principles of truth and non-violence, inspiring generations of politicians and activists around the world.

Modi also paid homage to Shastri. He dedicated his life to the country’s soldiers, farmers and pride, Modi said of Shastri, who raised the slogan of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” and whose simplicity and honesty earned him wide respect.

The prime minister visited the memorials of Gandhi and Shastri in the national capital on Wednesday morning to pay homage to them.

Congress tweets

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also took to X to pay his tributes.

“Bapu has taught me that if you want to live, you have to live without fear — you have to walk on the path of truth, love, compassion and harmony, uniting everyone. Gandhiji is not a person but a way of living and thinking. Tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary,” Rahul wrote on X in Hindi.

In a separate post, he paid “respectful tributes” to Shastri.

“Shastriji’s simplicity, straightforwardness, and his unwavering dedication to the country are a source of inspiration for all of us. With the slogan of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’, the path shown by him to protect the rights of the countrymen will continue to guide us,” Rahul posted in Hindi.

His sister and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also posted their tribute messages on X.

“‘First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, and then you win.’ ~ Mahatma Gandhi. The thoughts and ideals of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, who showed the path of peace to the entire world through the highest values of truth, non-violence and satyagraha, the architect of the Indian freedom struggle, are always inspiring for us. Today, we are countering the challenges his ideas are facing by following Bapu's principles. Heartiest greetings of Gandhi Jayanti to all countrymen,” Kharge posted on X.

Message from Mamata

Paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday stressed the need to build a just and inclusive society, reflecting his vision for India.

In a post on X, she said Gandhi’s teachings of non-violence, truth, and unity continue to inspire people every day.

“On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, I pay tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. His teachings of non-violence, truth, and unity continue to inspire us every day. Let us pledge to build a just and inclusive society, reflecting his vision for India,” she said.

“May we continue to follow the path of Ahimsa and tolerance for all. Jai Hind!” she added.

Floral tributes from Rajasthan CM

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma offered floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Shastri too.

At an event held within the secretariat premises, Sharma, along with his ministerial colleagues, including Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister Prem Bairwa and Education Minister Madan Dilawar, paid homage to the two leaders.

“On the occasion of the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, who showed the path of non-violence to the entire world, and former Prime Minister of the country and ‘Bharat Ratna’ Lal Bahadur Shastri, embodiment of simplicity, morality and purity, I paid humble tribute to them at the secretariat today,” he posted on X.

Maharashtra march

Congress and NCP(SP) leaders also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 155th birth anniversary.

All India Congress Committee in-charge of Maharashtra Ramesh Chennithala said those who practise in the politics of religion should read Gandhiji’s thoughts on the need for social harmony and brotherhood.

People from all walks of life paid homage to the Father of the Nation by visiting Mani Bhavan, which was Mahatma Gandhi’s Mumbai headquarters for about 17 years from 1917 to 1934.

Chennithala, accompanied by Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad, state party chief Nana Patole and other leaders, also visited Mani Bhavan.

NCP (SP) leaders, led by Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule and Maharashtra party chief Jayant Patil, took out a march from the Gandhi statue near Mantralaya to the statue of former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and later walked till the Hutatma Chowk in south Mumbai.

(With agency inputs)