Rajiv Gandhi, The Prime Minister continues....

The choice of her successor did not involve merely a selection of another politician, say the seniormost minister in her Cabinet.

It had to be done on the basis of a variety of considerations. The Prime

Minister is not merely the head of the Council of Ministers; he is also the

leader of the nation who commands the respect of the people.

The members of the Congress Parliamentary Board who were in Delhi

at this crucial time held a conclave and decided to request the President to

appoint Rajiv Gandhi as the Prime Minister.

This was a decision taken in the overall interests of the country. The President who was away on a foreign visit cut it short and returned to Delhi the same evening. Rajiv Gandhi, 40, was sworn in as Prime Minister the same night in Rashtrapati Bhawan.

After being sworn in, Rajiv Gandhi addressed the nation. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the nation was anxiously waiting to hear the new Prime Minister. It was a rare moment of emotional solidarity. At around midnight a perfectly composed Rajiv Gandhi addressed the people of India:

“Indira Gandhi has been assassinated. She was mother not only to me but to the whole nation. She served the Indian people to the last drop of her blood. This is a moment of profound grief. The foremost need now is to maintain our balance. We can and must face this tragic ordeal with fortitude, courage and wisdom. Indira Gandhi is no more but her soul lives. India lives, India is immortal.

The spirit of India is immortal. I know that the nation will recognize its responsibilities and that we shall shoulder the burden heroically, with determination. The nation has placed a great responsibility on me by asking me to head the Government. I shall be able to fulfil it only with your guidance in upholding the unity, the integrity and honour of the country.”

To be continued....