New Delhi: Addressing a rally in Dehradun, Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that like many families in Uttarakhand, his family made sacrifices which forms his relationship with the state.


“Just like many families in Uttarakhand, my family made sacrifices, that’s my relationship with the state,” he said, as quoted by news agency PTI.


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Speaking on the occasion of the 50th Vijay Diwas, Rahul Gandhi said “Pakistan bowed its head within 13 days in the 1971 war. Generally, a war is fought for 6 months, 1-2 years. America took 20 years to defeat Afghanistan but India made Pakistan lose in 13 days only as India was united and was standing as one”, news agency ANI reported.


Meanwhile, he also alleged that “today a function was held in Delhi regarding the Bangladesh war. There was no mention of Indira Gandhi in that function. The woman who took 32 bullets for this country, her name was not there in the invitation because this government is afraid of the truth”.



The remark comes in reference to the homage and reception ceremony of ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaals’ held today at the National War Memorial on the occasion of the 50th Vijay Diwas. 


Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who participated in the ceremony, wrote in the visitors’ book: “On behalf of the entire nation, I salute the warriors of the 1971 war. The citizens are proud of the brave warriors who wrote unparalleled tales of valour”.


“The country remembers the sacrifices of the soldiers who lost their lives in this war. The country will always remain indebted to soldiers for their supreme sacrifice. Their loyalty, sacrifice and dedication will keep inspiring the generations to come,” he added, as reported by ANI.


The Prime Minister was accompanied by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. PM Modi also laid a wreath at the war memorial.


‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ commemorates 50 years of India’s victory in the 1971 war and the formation of Bangladesh. President Ram Nath Kovind attended Bangladesh’s 50th Victory Day celebrations in Dhaka today as a guest of honour.


Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi is in Dehradun ahead of the assembly election slated to happen early next year wherein veteran Congress leader and former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat will try to put up a tough challenge for the ruling BJP to form government in the state.


(With Inputs From Agencies)