LUCKNOW: Scores of events including a free eye testing camp in Amethi were organised by Congressmen to mark the 74th birth anniversary of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi here on Monday.

Floral tributes were paid to the visionary leader at the party headquarters in Lucknow. Thereafter, workers distributed sweets and pledged to work overtime to overthrow the ruling BJP in the 2019 elections. Urging party workers to draw inspiration from their leader, UP Congress chief Raj Babbar said: "The greatness of Rajiv Gandhi may be gauged from the fact that even his opponents respected him."

Babbar also posted a message on his official Twitter handle to reiterate the same. "With pride, I remember today, one of the greatest sons of India - Shri Rajiv Gandhiji. An inspiring leader, he earned respect even from his adversaries. Atalji had once said, "Rajiv Gandhi is why I am alive..."." Babbar tweeted. Later talking to TOI, Babbar cited excerpts from a book by Ullekh NP to prove his words.

"Titled, "The Untold Vajpayee: Politician and Paradox" the book Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji sharing how Rajiv Gandhi had included him in India's delegation to the United Nations and hoped that the BJP leader would use the opportunity to get himself treated of his renal problem there. Rajiv Gandhi, also ensured that Vajpayee ji stayed there only after his treatment completed," Babbar said adding that Vajpayee ji shared this story with several journalists after Rajiv Gandhi's tragic demise in 1991.

The Congress Sewa Dal also organised a plantation drive to mark the occasion. secretary of the organisation, UP chapter, Rajesh Singh Kali stated that 74 saplings were planted on the campus to mark their leader's birthday.

In Amethi, Congress MLC Deepak Singh oversaw Rajiv Gandhi birthday celebrations. He personally went to an eye camp organised to mark the occasion. Addressing on the occasion, he said, "it is a tradition in our party to celebrate with the people."

