Manmohan Singh’s Last Rites to be at Nigambodh Ghat: Congress Cries Foul
NEW DELHI:
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh took a sharp jab at the BJP-led central government on Friday, calling the decision to hold former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s last rites at Nigambodh Ghat “a deliberate insult” to India’s first Sikh PM.
Ramesh shared on X, formerly Twitter, that earlier in the day, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting a location for cremation where a memorial could be built to honor Dr. Singh’s legacy.
“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,” he added.
Kharge’s appeal to Modi came after the Congress learned of the government’s decision to hold the funeral at Nigambodh Ghat.
The government’s decision has drawn criticism from other political parties as well.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal alleged that the Centre had “declined” a request from Singh’s family to conduct the funeral and last rites at a location where an appropriate memorial could be built.
“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 wrote on X.
Former union minister-information & broadcasting Manish Tewari also expressed his disappointment.
“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. 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 honour his memory,” Tewari added.
Dr. Singh passed away at AIIMS in Delhi on Thursday night at the age of 92 following age-related health issues. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal had earlier confirmed in a statement that Singh’s final procession would begin from the headquarters to the cremation site at 9.30 am on Saturday.
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