Jammu, Oct 31 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) on Saturday observed the 42nd death anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary at the party headquarters in Jammu.

The main function was held at Rajiv Bhawan, Shaheedi Chowk, under the chairmanship of JKPCC Chief Spokesperson and former MLC Ravinder Sharma, while similar programmes were organised at district and block headquarters across Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing party workers, Sharma described Indira Gandhi as a visionary leader who strengthened India's position internationally and introduced programmes aimed at poverty alleviation, women's empowerment and the welfare of weaker sections.

He recalled her contributions to Jammu and Kashmir, particularly her role in initiating railway connectivity to the region through the Udhampur rail project.

Sharma also highlighted her role in the 1972 Shimla Agreement, the Non-Aligned Movement and the liberation of Bangladesh, saying her leadership had left a lasting impact on India's political history.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He urged Congress workers to uphold the principles of secularism, democracy and national unity for which Gandhi had worked throughout her political career.

Paying tributes to Sardar Patel, Sharma recalled his contribution to India's freedom struggle and the integration of princely states following Independence.

He also referred to Patel's decision to ban the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1948, saying the former Home Minister had taken firm steps to safeguard national unity.

Sharma said Congress workers should renew their commitment to secular and democratic values as a tribute to both leaders.

Senior Congress leaders Iqbal Dar, Vijay Sharma, Kapil Chib, Sohit Sharma, Ram Magotra, Latish Sharma, Rakesh Sharma, Yash Pal Sangral, Surinder Sharma, Ashok Sharma, Ravinder Chauhan, Prem Sharma, Suresh Bangotra, Atul Sharma and Gurvinder Singh attended the programme, among others. (KNS)