The funeral of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sparked a political row, with Congress accusing the BJP-led government of disrespecting Singh’s memory by refusing to hold his last rites at a designated memorial site.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the government’s decision to cremate Singh at Nigambodh Ghat, a public crematorium, instead of at a site where a memorial could later be constructed.
“The great son of Mother India and the first Prime Minister of the Sikh community, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji has been totally insulted by the present government by performing his last rites today at the Nigambodh Ghat,” Gandhi said, hours after the cremation.
The Congress had previously urged the Centre to conduct Singh’s funeral at a memorial site, a request that was denied by the government. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra echoed her brother’s sentiments, accusing the government of failing to honour Singh’s legacy, contributions, and his standing within the Sikh community.
“By not providing an appropriate place for the former prime minister’s cremation, the Centre has not done justice to the dignity of the post, his personality, legacy, and the self-respecting Sikh community,” Priyanka Gandhi said.
“Earlier, all former prime ministers were given the highest honour and respect. Dr. Manmohan Singhji deserves this honour and a Samadhi Sthal,” she added.
In a post on social media platform X, Priyanka also shared the distressing scenes at the funeral, where Singh’s family members struggled to find a space amidst the crowd.
“I saw Dr. Manmohan Singhji’s family members struggling for a place at the funeral site, trying to find a place in the crowd, and the general public getting troubled due to the lack of space,” she said.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who attended the funeral, also reflected on the need for a fitting memorial for Singh.
"It was difficult to see very much, beyond the backs of the heads of assorted dignitaries and close relatives of the departed soul, so it became more of an occasion to reflect on the life and legacy of the late great PM," Tharoor said, adding, "We shared a great regard for the late Prime Minister and agreed that a fitting memorial must be established by the government for Dr. Manmohan Singh without delay."
BJP response
In response to Congress’s demands, the BJP rejected the allegations and dismissed the issue as an unnecessary row. Speaking at a press conference, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra accused Rahul Gandhi of politicising the funeral.
"It is unfortunate that the BJP has to address a press conference on the subject relating to the funeral of Dr Singh... since his death, the Centre has been preparing to construct a memorial for him," Patra said.
Patra clarified that the Cabinet had already decided to build a memorial for Singh, but the process of land acquisition and forming a trust would take time.
"A cabinet meeting was called and a condolence message was issued. It was also decided to pay proper respects to the former PM befitting to his stature.
The cabinet has informed both Dr Singh's family and the Congress that a memorial will be built so that everyone can remember his positive contribution. However, time is needed for land acquisition, forming a trust and other formalities. At the same time, cremation should be done as it cannot wait," Patra explained.
Patra also took aim at Congress for allegedly disrespecting its own leaders in the past, including former prime minister PV Narasimha Rao and ex-president Pranab Mukherjee. "This party has a history of insulting its own leaders, and now they are using Manmohan Singh’s funeral for political gain," he said.
Follow us
