New Delhi: Today marks the Birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi, the country's youngest Prime Minister. However, did you know that Rajiv Gandhi initially had no intentions of entering politics? After completing his studies, he pursued a career as a pilot and was leading a fulfilling life. Unfortunately, the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi, compelled him to step into the world of politics. If his brother, Sanjay Gandhi, had been alive, Rajiv Gandhi might have followed a different path. While Rajiv Gandhi played a pivotal role in modernizing India and introducing computers, his name was also linked to several controversies that opponents of the Congress party still wield as ammunition.
1984 Sikh riots: 'When a big tree falls, the ground shakes'
Following the assassination of Indira Gandhi, there was a surge of aggression against Sikhs, particularly among Congress workers. Delhi was severely affected, witnessing the brutal killing of Sikhs over nearly three days. Sikhs were left seeking refuge to save their lives. After Indira Gandhi's assassination on October 31, the newly established Rajiv government declared her birthday (up to her death) as a celebration. During this period of Sikh mourning, on November 19, 1984, Rajiv made a highly insensitive statement. Speaking at the Boat Club, he remarked, "When a big tree falls, the earth shakes a little." This statement caused significant controversy then and continues to haunt the Congress party as they strive to justify it.
Bhopal Gas Tragedy: Warren Anderson's Escape
The Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984 remains etched in the memory of every Indian. A night of horror when death engulfed an entire city. Thousands of people, asleep in their homes, fell victim to the toxic gas leak from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal. Within hours, thousands turned into lifeless bodies. Warren Anderson, the owner of Union Carbide, arrived in Bhopal on December 7, four days after the tragedy struck. He was arrested but released on bail for a mere 25 thousand rupees. Despite being under house arrest in Union Carbide's Bhopal guest house, the system surreptitiously aided his escape. Anderson was flown from Bhopal to Delhi in a government plane overnight. From Delhi, he reached the American Ambassador's residence and then proceeded to Mumbai by private airline, ultimately making his way to America. RS Sodhi, former Director of Madhya Pradesh Aviation, even attested to receiving a call instructing him to prepare a government plane from Bhopal to Delhi. Anderson boarded this plane and was accompanied by the Superintendent of Police and the District Magistrate of Bhopal. At that time, Arjun Singh was the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, and Rajiv Gandhi held the position of Prime Minister. Remarkably, according to CIA intelligence documents, it was the Rajiv Gandhi government itself that ordered the release of Anderson, the man responsible for thousands of deaths.
Shah Bano case: Rajiv government's Retreat
In 1986, Rajiv Gandhi was still navigating the realm of politics. During this time, the Shah Bano case from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, garnered attention. Shah Bano, whose husband was the renowned lawyer Mohammad Ahmed Khan, was given triple talaq after 43 years of marriage. Cast out of her marital home with her five children, Shah Bano sought alimony from her husband. Left with no recourse, she turned to the courts. The court ruled in favor of Shah Bano, ordering Ahmed Khan to provide a monthly alimony of Rs. 500. This step emboldened other Muslim women, sparking outrage among Muslim men. Initially, Rajiv Gandhi had entrusted his Minister of State for Home, Arif Mohammad Khan, with the matter. Mohammad Arif supported Shah Bano in the Lok Sabha, asserting that the Quran required proper arrangements for divorced women. Yet, yielding to the pressure of extremists, the Rajiv government reversed its stance. Manipulating its power in the Lok Sabha, the government overruled the Supreme Court's decision. By playing the politics of religion, Rajiv Gandhi appeased a faction of Muslims, while leaving Muslim women to face an uncertain future. Consequently, thousands of cases of triple talaq continued to shatter the lives of Muslim women.
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