Shimla, May 21 -- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary and described him as a visionary leader who empowered youth and women while laying the foundation for India's IT and communication revolution.

After returning from Delhi and attending a Congress tribute programme in Shimla on Wednesday afternoon, the Chief Minister told the media that Rajiv Gandhi transformed the country through modern thinking and progressive policies.

"Rajiv Gandhi reduced the voting age from 21 years to 18 years so that youth could participate actively in democracy," Sukhu said.

He said the concept of providing 33 per cent reservation to women in Panchayati ...