Congress leader Rahul Gandhi strongly criticized the BJP government on Saturday for what he described as the “insult” of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, following the decision to perform Singh’s last rites at Nigambodh Ghat, a public crematorium, rather than at a designated site where a memorial could be constructed. The Congress had earlier requested the government to ensure that the cremation took place at a location befitting Singh’s stature and legacy, in line with the tradition of honoring former Prime Ministers with memorial sites. However, the government’s decision sparked a political firestorm.
Gandhi, speaking in the aftermath of Singh’s funeral, said, “Dr. Manmohan Singh was a great son of Mother India and the first Prime Minister from the Sikh community. He served this nation with utmost dedication and transformed India into an economic superpower. The government’s actions today have disrespected not only his memory but also the sentiments of millions of Indians.”
He further added, “Till now, every former Prime Minister has been accorded the dignity of having their last rites performed at an authorized memorial site. This ensures that citizens can pay their final respects in a manner befitting the stature of the leader. To deny Dr. Singh this honor is an insult to his legacy, his achievements, and the Sikh community. A man of his caliber deserves a memorial where the public can pay homage and reflect on his invaluable contributions to the nation.”
The Congress party had urged the government to follow precedent and provide a designated site for Singh’s cremation, stressing that such a location would eventually host a memorial for the late leader. However, the Union government decided to proceed with the cremation at Nigambodh Ghat, citing logistical constraints and the need to follow procedural formalities for allocating a memorial site. The Union Home Ministry later clarified that space for a memorial in Delhi would be provided, and the decision had been communicated to Singh’s family.
In his tweet, Gandhi noted the profound contributions of Singh, stating, “He was Prime Minister for a decade, and during that time, India rose to economic prominence on the global stage. His policies uplifted millions of poor and backward citizens. This treatment is deeply disrespectful for someone who dedicated his life to public service.” Gandhi reiterated that Singh’s legacy deserved the highest respect and called for the government to build a memorial to honor his achievements.
The controversy has escalated tensions between the Congress and BJP, with the Congress accusing the ruling party of disrespecting Singh’s legacy and failing to uphold the dignity of a leader who steered India through a transformative period. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh described the government’s actions as a “deliberate insult,” emphasizing that Singh’s cremation at a public crematorium was a slight to his contributions as one of India’s most distinguished leaders.
The BJP, however, dismissed the accusations, describing them as politically motivated and unnecessary. BJP spokespersons highlighted what they called the Congress’s hypocrisy, pointing out the party’s failure to establish a memorial for former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao during its tenure. BJP leader CR Kesavan remarked, “The Congress did not build a memorial for Narasimha Rao, despite his immense contributions. It was only under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership that Rao was posthumously honored with a memorial and the Bharat Ratna. Congress’s sudden concern for traditions seems selective.”
In response to the uproar, the Union government released a detailed statement titled Facts of the Matter Regarding the Memorial for Former Prime Minister Late Dr. Manmohan Singh. It outlined the steps being taken to establish a dedicated memorial for Singh and explained that his cremation at Nigambodh Ghat was a practical decision given the time required to allocate land and create a trust for the memorial. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly assured Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Singh’s family that the government was committed to honoring Singh appropriately.
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks have further polarized political discourse, with Congress supporters expressing outrage over what they see as an affront to Singh’s memory, while BJP leaders have called for a focus on honoring Singh without politicizing the issue. The controversy underscores the deepening divide between the two major parties as they navigate the legacy of one of India’s most revered statesmen.
