Shri Rajeev Gandhi never intended to take up politics as a career. He was a pilot till the death of his brother Sanjay Gandhi. Under tragic circumstances, he was then persuaded to give up his job and enter politics which was in his blood. Further, he could get the benefit of intensive political training as a constant companion of his illustrious mother. Both in her company and alone he visited practically every country of the world. He toured the country extensively and acquired a close understanding of the Indian People and also sympathy for their suffering. As AICC General Secretary, he could acquire valuable administrative experience.
It was these qualities which enabled him to face the challenges which confronted him on his election as the Prime Minister. Mob frenzy and violence, which followed the assassination of late Mrs. Indira Gandhi, were put down with an iron hand. Late Shri Rajeev Gandhi had unlimited store of both physical and mental energy.
He began well, and he did very well during the five years that he was at the helm of affairs. He won the confidence of all sections of Indian society. His foreign tours covering all the great countries of the world were a grand success. He created a favorable impression wherever he went. Even in the U.S.A., he was warmly welcomed and given a loud and long standing ovation at the press conference with which his visit to that country concluded.
During the election year 1988-89 a storm was raised in the Parliament over the purchase of the Bofors Guns from Norway. There was much mudslinging and character assassination. However, he could weather the storm successfully and come, out entirely unscathed. Rather, the tables were turned on the opposition. Jawahar Rozgar Yojna was launched for the benefit of the rural poor ‘Panchayta Raj’ was made a reality by the addition of a new chapter to the Indian constitution and the urban municipalities and corporation were also strengthened through the 65th amendment of the constitution.
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Thus, the youthful Prime Minister went to the polls with remarkable achievements to his credit. The elections resulted in a ‘hung parliament’ with the congress getting only 194 seats in the new parliament. Rajiv preferred to play the role of the leader of the opposition and the-N.F. Government was formed at the centre. As leader of the opposition, his role was constructive. He never failed to point out the mistakes and failures of the government. His criticism always was based on the realities of a situation. This is proved by the fact that in many case, the government had to accept his point of view and act accordingly.
Shri Rajiv Gandhi reached the peak of his popularity during the mid-term polls to the Lok Sabha in 1991. He drew mammoth crowds wherever he went. His sudden and unexpected assassination was a tragedy not only for India but for all the world.