The controversy surrounding the last rites of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has escalated significantly, with Congress accusing the Centre of disrespecting the late leader and his family. The row intensified after Singh's funeral was held at the Nigambodh Ghat, a public crematorium in Delhi, rather than a dedicated location with the potential for a memorial. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from Congress, which claimed the government’s actions were insulting to both Singh and the Sikh community.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to social media to express his outrage, calling the decision to perform the last rites at Nigambodh Ghat a "total insult" to the former Prime Minister. He criticized the government for failing to uphold the dignity of a leader who had contributed significantly to the nation, emphasizing that historically, former Prime Ministers were given a place of honor at authorized burial sites for their last rites. Gandhi argued that Singh deserved more respect and a proper memorial for his service to the country.
Priyanka Gandhi, Congress General Secretary, echoed her brother's sentiments, claiming that the government had failed to do justice to Singh’s dignity, both as a former Prime Minister and as a prominent member of the Sikh community. She also recounted her personal observation of the chaotic scenes at the funeral, where family members of Singh struggled to find space and the general public faced difficulties in paying their respects due to overcrowding and lack of proper arrangements.
Further highlighting the mismanagement, Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized the funeral’s organization, listing instances where Singh’s family was subjected to discomfort, including inadequate seating and disruptions during the procession. He accused the government of failing to show the necessary respect for the leader’s legacy and for the values of democracy.
In response, the BJP fired back, accusing Congress of politicizing a moment of national grief. BJP National President JP Nadda condemned the Congress leaders for their remarks, calling them reflective of a "despicable mindset" and asserting that the Centre had already made arrangements for a memorial. Nadda claimed that a trust would be formed, and a dedicated space would be allocated for the memorial. He also criticized the Congress for engaging in what he called "cheap politics" and reminded the nation of the party’s own failings in honoring leaders, citing the example of former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao. Nadda pointed out that Rao’s last rites were not allowed in Delhi by the Congress leadership and were instead conducted in Hyderabad.
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra further accused Congress of disrespecting its own leaders, citing the example of former President Pranab Mukherjee. He claimed that Congress leaders had not done justice to the legacy of prominent figures within their own party, alluding to the difficulties faced by Rao's family during his funeral. Patra’s remarks added fuel to the ongoing political spat, with the BJP framing the Congress criticism as an attempt to divert attention from its own shortcomings.
The disagreement stems from the Centre's decision to hold Singh's funeral at Nigam Bodh Ghat, despite a formal request from Congress for the ceremony to be held at a place where a memorial could be established. The government maintained that a trust would be set up to ensure a memorial would be created, but the funeral, according to the Centre, was to take place at the crematorium.
This political controversy highlights the deepening divide between the Congress and BJP, with each party using the occasion to highlight their contrasting views on how to honor political leaders and their legacies. As the dispute continues, it has sparked a wider conversation about how the nation honors its leaders, particularly those who have held the highest office in the country.
