Shocking & Deliberate Insult? Congress, SAD Slam BJP Over Manmohan Singh’s Last Rites, Memorial

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government has drawn criticism for choosing Nigambodh Ghat for the last rites and memorial of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Leaders from the Congress Party and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) assert this decision is a “deliberate insult” to India’s first Sikh Prime Minister.

Congress Criticizes the Funeral Site

Expressing strong disapproval, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized the government’s choice of site for Manmohan Singh’s funeral and memorial. On X, Ramesh said, “Earlier this morning, Congress President had written to the Prime Minister, suggesting that the cremation of the former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, take place at a location where a memorial could be built to honour his legacy.”

Ramesh further elaborated, “The people of our country are simply unable to understand why the Government of India could not find a location for his cremation and memorial that is befitting of his global stature, record of outstanding achievements, and exemplary service to the nation for decades. This is nothing but a deliberate insult to the first Sikh Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh.”

Congress President’s Appeal

The controversy began when Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to arrange for Dr Manmohan Singh’s funeral at a location where a memorial could be established in his honor at his final resting place. According to Kharge, such a gesture would be a fitting tribute to a leader of Singh’s stature and legacy and align with the traditions observed for former prime ministers.

Shiromani Akali Dal’s Accusations

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal accused the government of declining a request from Singh’s family to conduct the funeral at a location where an appropriate memorial could be built. On X, Badal articulated his misgivings, stating, “Shocking and unbelievable! It is condemnable in the extreme that Union Govt has declined the request of Dr Manmohan Singh Ji’s family for performing the funeral and last rites of the highly distinguished leader at a place where an appropriate and historic memorial may be built to commemorate his unparalleled services to the nation.”

Badal intertwined the responsibility of honoring Singh’s memory with respect and sensitivity towards Sikh sentiments: “It is difficult to understand why the govt is showing such disrespect to the great leader who was the only member of the Sikh community to rise to become the Prime Minister. I am unable to believe that the BJP govt’s bias would go to such extremes in utter disregard of the towering global stature which Dr Manmohan Singh ji enjoyed and will always enjoy.”

Badal further urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene personally: “Dr Sahib showed great sensitivity and compassion in his dealings with Shiromani Akali Dal over Sikh and Punjab issues. I urge PM Narendra Modi ji to intervene personally to change this deplorable decision of the government.”

Views from Former Minister

Manish Tewari, a former Union Minister, also expressed his dismay over the decision: “If what is appearing in the Public Space is correct that the cremation of Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will be held at Nigambodh Ghat, it is extremely unfortunate. If Late Dr Manmohan Singh’s family wanted it that way then it is a different matter otherwise he should be cremated where the last rites of other Former Prime Ministers have taken place.”

Tewari continued, “This great son of Punjab who was respected across the world for his erudition, knowledge, and sagacity needs to be given a final send-off befitting his stewardship of India for ten long years. That is the least that must be done to honor his memory.”

Government’s Response

The government has maintained that it has decided to accord a state funeral to Dr. Manmohan Singh, which will take place at 11:45 am on December 28 at Nigambodh Ghat, New Delhi. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA): “It has been decided by the Government that State funeral will be accorded to Dr. Manmohan Singh. The funeral will take place at 11.45 am on December 28 at Nigambodh Ghat, New Delhi.”

However, PTI reported official sources as claiming, “The Union government’s decision to build a memorial in honor of Manmohan Singh has been conveyed to the Congress. But they have engaged in politics over the issue.”

Final Procession Details

The final procession for Manmohan Singh, who passed away on the night of December 27 at the age of 92 due to age-related health issues, will begin from the Congress headquarters to the cremation site at 9:30 am on Saturday. According to Congress General Secretary K. C. Venugopal: “At 8 am tomorrow, December 28, his mortal remains will be taken to the AICC headquarters where the public and Congress workers will have the opportunity to offer their tributes between 8:30 am and 9:30 am. Dr Singh’s final journey to the heavenly abode will commence from the AICC HQ to the cremation ground at 9:30 am tomorrow.”

Conclusion

The debate over Manmohan Singh’s funeral and memorial location highlights the intricate political dynamics at play in India and the importance of paying homage to national leaders in a manner that reflects their contributions and legacy. As the nation mourns the loss of a respected leader, this controversy serves as a reminder of the political and social values that guide such high-profile events in India.

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