NEW DELHI: Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh on Friday took a swipe at the BJP-led central government, calling its decision to conduct the last rites of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Nigambodh Ghat “a deliberate insult” to India’s first Sikh PM.
Sharing a post on X, Jairam said that, “Earlier this morning, Congress President had written to the Prime Minister, suggesting that the cremation of the former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, take place at a location where a memorial could be built to honour his 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.
The remarks followed Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to arrange for Dr Manmohan Singh’s funeral at a location where a memorial could be established in his honour at his final resting place.
Kharge stated that such a gesture would be a fitting tribute to a leader of Singh’s stature and legacy, while also aligning with the traditions observed for former prime ministers.
However, no official response from the government on the matter has been issued yet.
The Union government’s “decision to build a memorial in honour of Manmohan Singh has been conveyed to the Congress. But they have engaged in politics over the issue,” PTI said, citing official sources.
The former prime minister Manmohan Singh’s final rites are scheduled to be conducted at Nigambodh Ghat on Saturday with complete State honours.
“It has been decided by the Government that State funeral will be accorded to Dr. Manmohan Singh. The funeral will take place at 11.45 am on December 28 at Nigambodh Ghat, New Delhi,” the ministry of home affairs (MHA) said in their statement.
Meanwhile, 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 may 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 in a separate post on X.
He further continued to state that it is difficult to understand “why the govt is showing such disrespect to the great leader who was the only member of the Sikh community to rise to become the Prime Minister. As of now, the cremation is slated to be performed at the common cremation ground at Nigambodh ghat. I am unable to believe that the BJP govt’s bias would go to such extremes in utter disregard of the towering global stature which Dr Manmohan Singh ji enjoyed and will always enjoy.”
“Dr Sahib showed great sensitivity and compassion in his dealings with Shiromani Akali Dal over Sikh and Punjab issues. I urge PM Narendra Modi ji to intervene personally to change this deplorable decision of the government,” he added.
In a separate post, former union minister-information & broadcasting Manish Tewari stated that, “If what is appearing in the Public Space is correct that the cremation of Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will be held at Nigambodh Ghat, it is extremely unfortunate.”
“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,” he added.
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.
“At 8 am tomorrow, December 28, his mortal remains will be taken to the AICC headquarters where the public and Congress workers will have the opportunity to offer their tributes between 8.30 am and 9.30 am. Dr Singh’s final journey to the heavenly abode will commence from the AICC HQ to the cremation ground at 9.30 am tomorrow,” Venugopal added.