Top Congress leaders on Thursday paid tributes to former PM Rajiv Gandhi on his 35th death anniversary, with the party invoking his legacy of technological modernisation, democratic reforms and youth empowerment while drawing a contrast with the present dispensation.Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid floral tributes at Rajiv’s memorial Vir Bhumi in New Delhi.In a message remembering his father, Rahul said he would continue working towards the dream of building a skilled, prosperous and strong India envisioned by Rajiv. He added that Rajiv’s teachings, values and memories continued to guide him.“Papa, I will fully shoulder the responsibility of realising the dream of a skilled, prosperous and strong India that you envisioned. Your teachings, values and memories will always remain with me,” Rahul wrote on X.Meanwhile, Kharge described Rajiv as a visionary leader whose policies helped lay the foundation of modern India. He highlighted key initiatives associated with the former PM, including reducing the voting age to 18 years, strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions, pushing computerisation and telecom reforms, and introducing an education policy focused on inclusive learning.Kharge said Rajiv’s decisions helped prepare India for the 21st century and continue to influence the country’s growth trajectory even today.Speaking to reporters, former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda said Rajiv remained an icon for the country’s youth. Pointing out that Rajiv was assassinated at a time when he was poised to return as PM, Hooda said the Nehru-Gandhi family had consistently made sacrifices for the country without seeking personal gains.Drawing a political comparison, Hooda claimed the country had progressed rapidly under the Congress governments but the pace of development had slowed in the recent years.Senior Congress leaders, including Ashok Gehlot, P Chidambaram, Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Mukul Wasnik also visited Vir Bhumi to pay tributes to the late PM. Priyanka’s children, Miraya and Raihan Vadra, also attended the Thursday ceremony.