New Delhi, April 24 -- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday extended greetings to heads, panchs and members of local bodies on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, while highlighting the contribution of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in strengthening grassroots democracy, saying he "empowered India's villages by connecting them to the mainstream of the country."

Sharing a post on X, Gandhi said Panchayati Raj remains a strong foundation towards realising Mahatma Gandhi's vision of Gram Swaraj.

"Heartfelt congratulations to all the heads, panchs, and members of local bodies in the country on Panchayati Raj Day," Gandhi wrote in his post.

"Panchayati Raj has been a strong foundation in the direction of realising the dream o...