Tributes pour in from across political spectrum on Gandhi, Shastri's birth anniversaries

New Delhi:Leaders across the political spectrum paid tributes to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries on Saturday.

Paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 152nd birth anniversary, BJP president JP Nadda said in a tweet that "Mahatma Gandhi gave the message of truth and non-violence".

"His slogan of Swadeshi and cooperative is very important in making the country self-reliant," he said, adding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is determined to make a self-reliant India.

While paying tributes to Shastri, Nadda tweeted, "Jai Jawan-Jai Kisan's leader, the epitome of simplicity and honesty, a tribute to former prime minister Bharat Ratna Shri Lal Bahadur Shastriji on his birth anniversary."

"His thoughts, nurtured by the national interest, are relevant for everyone even today. His invaluable contribution in nation-building will always be unforgettable," he said.

Taking to Twitter, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "The great life of Mahatma Gandhiji was like a continuous national sacrifice which inspired the whole world to walk on the path of peace and non-violence. Gandhiji's ideas of Swadeshi, Swabhasha and Swaraj have been with the countrymen for a long time. Will continue to inspire."

"On the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Shastriji, many tributes to him. Shastriji, a symbol of Indian self-respect, through his strong leadership in difficult times, infused national consciousness among the countrymen and introduced the world to India's power of resolve. His simplicity, honesty, and patriotism are admirable," he said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversary.

In a tweet, Singh said, "I bow to Pujya Bapu on Gandhi Jayanti. A towering personality blessed with tremendous willpower and immense wisdom, he provided exemplary leadership to India’s freedom movement. Let us rededicate ourselves to ‘Swachchta and Atmanirbharbharta’ on his jayanti."

Paying homage to Shastri, he said, "I remember and bow to the former Prime Minister of India Shri Shastri ji, the epitome of simplicity, on his birth anniversary.

"He understood the soul of India very well. He gave full respect to the honor and self-respect of the farmers and soldiers of the country," he said.

Meanwhile, Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and MP Rahul Gandhi also paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute to the former PM Shastri at Vijay Ghat on his 117th birth anniversary.The Congress leader also took to Twitter to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadhur Shastri .

In his tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, he said, "Only one Satyagrahi is enough for victory. Humble tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. #FarmerProtest."

While paying his tributes to Lal Bahadhur Shastri, he said, "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan will always remain. Shastriji's simplicity and determination are a source of inspiration even today. Salute to this Lal of Congress!,"

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also reached Rajghat to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.(UNI)