New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Thursday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 35th death anniversary, asserting that the Nehru-Gandhi family has consistently made immense sacrifices for the nation without seeking personal gains.

Speaking to reporters in the national capital, Hooda recalled the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi and highlighted his popularity among the nation's youth.

'Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated during elections, after which he was about to become the Prime Minister again. The youth of the entire country considered him an idol,' Hooda said.

Taking a direct swipe at the current dispensation, the veteran Congress leader remarked that the country's growth has slowed down in recent years compared to the strides made under previous Congress governments. 'When Congress came to power again, it took the country forward, but today the country is lagging,' he added.

When asked whether Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's leadership style mirrors that of his late father, Hooda emphasised the deep-rooted legacy of public service and selflessness that defines the family.

'The members of this family made sacrifices. From Motilal Nehru to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, everyone sacrificed for the country, not for their own benefit,' Hooda stated.

Earlier, several Congress leaders on Thursday paid homage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 35th death anniversary at his memorial Vir Bhumi in the national capital.

Rajiv Gandhi took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984.

He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989. Born on August 20, 1944, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991. (ANI)