Parliament pays rich tributes to Rajaji

Summary

This one-page Deccan Chronicle report records Parliament’s tributes to C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji), who had died shortly before the sitting. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi described him as a powerful intellect, a guardian of human culture, and an exceptional parliamentarian; the House observed two minutes’ silence and leaders from across the political spectrum joined in the tributes.

The report also highlights Rajaji’s public career: he served as Governor-General, was the first and only Indian to hold that office, and founded the Swatantra Party after nearly two decades in the Indian National Congress. A separate section records Gandhi’s tributes to several recently deceased parliamentarians and public figures, including Shaukatullah Shah Ansari, Bakar Ali Mirza, Krishna Kumar Chatterji, G. D. Somani, General Himatsinghji, and M. Ramure.

Key points

• Parliament paid formal tribute to C. Rajagopalachari following his death.
• Indira Gandhi praised Rajaji’s intellect, political judgment, simplicity, and public service.
• Rajaji was described as Governor-General and the first and only Indian to hold that office.
• The article notes his nearly twenty years in the Indian National Congress and his later founding of the Swatantra Party.
• Speaker G. S. Dhillon recalled Rajaji as a politician, philosopher, journalist, and man of letters.
• The House observed two minutes’ silence before adjourning for the day.
• Indira Gandhi also paid tribute to several other deceased parliamentarians and public figures.