Congress accuses government of disrespecting former Prime Minister Singh by not holding his last rites at a dedicated place.

New Delhi: The Congress party has accused the Centre of disrespecting the legacy of Manmohan Singh, the first Sikh Prime Minister of India. They believe that his last rites, which were held at Nigambodh Ghat, were not befitting of his stature and that a designated spot should have been chosen for his cremation, with the intention of building a memorial in his honor.

The Opposition party had previously written to the Centre, urging them to identify a suitable location for Singh's last rites, where a memorial could be erected in his name. However, as the matter became increasingly political, the Centre clarified that a decision to build a memorial had already been taken, and a trust would be formed to determine the location soon.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, expressed his disappointment in the BJP-led Centre for what he deemed as a "total insult" to the memory of a great leader and the first Prime Minister from the Sikh community. He highlighted Singh's achievements during his 10-year tenure, where India became an economic superpower, and his policies continue to support the underprivileged and marginalized communities.

Gandhi also pointed out that in the past, the last rites of all former Prime Ministers were performed at designated burial sites, allowing the public to pay their last respects without any inconvenience. He emphasized that Singh deserved the highest respect and a memorial, and that the government should have shown more consideration towards him and the Sikh community.

Echoing similar sentiments, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress general secretary, stated that by not providing an appropriate location for Singh's cremation, the Centre had failed to honor the dignity of his position, his personality, and the self-respect of the Sikh community. She reminded that all former Prime Ministers were previously given the highest honor and respect, and Singh deserved the same, along with a Samadhi Sthal (memorial).

Priyanka Gandhi also shared her personal experience of witnessing the struggles of Singh's family members and the general public during his funeral, as they tried to find a place to pay their respects amidst the crowded Nigambodh Ghat. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also attended the funeral and reflected on the life and legacy of the late Prime Minister, emphasizing the need for a fitting memorial to be established in his honor.

Amidst the political discussions, former Indian Youth Congress chief B V Srinivas brought attention to the fact that when former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away, his funeral was held at the National Memorial, a designated spot for the cremation of former Presidents, Vice-Presidents, and Prime Ministers. Srinivas questioned why Singh's last rites were not held at the National Memorial, especially during the tenure of the same Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

As the issue of a memorial for Singh became a matter of political debate, the Centre clarified that a decision to build one had already been conveyed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge by Union Home Minister Amit Shah after a Cabinet meeting on Friday. The government also stated that the process of setting up a trust and allotting land for the memorial could take some time, and hence, the funeral was held at Nigambodh Ghat.

Kharge had previously written to Modi, requesting a memorial for Singh, while several sections of society have also urged the government to confer the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honor of the country, on the late economist-Prime Minister.

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