Gandhi, Rajiv

Gandhi, Rajiv ( 1944 – 91 )
Indian statesman, Prime Minister ( 1984 – 89 ). The eldest son of Indira Gandhi , he entered politics following the accidental death of his brother Sanjay ( 1946 – 80 ), becoming Prime Minister after his mother's assassination. His premiership, at the head of the Indian National Congress (I) party, was marked by continuing unrest and he resigned in 1989 ; he was assassinated during the election campaign of 1991 . His widow, Sonia Gandhi( 1946 –   ), became leader of Congress (I) in 1998 . The party headed a coalition government after the 2004 election, but she declined the post of Prime Minister.