President Pranab Mukherjee to visit Shakti Sthal tomorrow

President Pranab Mukherjee will pay tributes to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 30th death anniversary at 'Shakti Sthal' here tomorrow.

After the Narendra Modi Government distanced itself from holding any anniversaries to commemmorate departed national leaders other than Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbai Patel, the All India Congress Committee extended an invitation to the President to attend the event.

The President will arrive at 'Shakti Sthal' in the morning and attend prayers being organised at the memorial, official sources said. The President may also visit 1, Safdurjung Road where Gandhi was assassinated by her own bodyguards in 1984.

The Union Cabinet earlier this month had decided that the government will associate itself only with the birth and death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The anniversaries of other departed leaders may be observed by respective trusts, parties, societies or supporters. The Cabinet also decided not to convert government bungalows into memorials.

Later, the President will flag off the 'Run for Unity' at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan at 8.15 AM to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The residents and staff of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President's Body Guard, the Army Guard and the Delhi Police will participate in the run.

The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) Pledge will be administered by Omita Paul, Secretary to the President, to all staff prior to the run. The government has declared October 31 as "Rashtriya Ekta Diwas" to mark the birth anniversary of Patel, country's first Home Minister.