Rahul Gandhi, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, charged on Saturday that the national government, which is led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, had insulted former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by cremating him at the Nigam Bodh Ghat rather than at the location that was intended for his memorial. Singh should receive the “highest respects” and a memorial from the nation, he said.
He wrote in hindi on X, “The present government has insulted the great son of Mother India and the first prime minister of the Sikh community, Dr Manmohan Singh ji, by performing his last rites at the Nigam Bodh Ghat today”.
According to Rahul Gandhi, Manmohan Singh led India to economic dominance for ten years as prime minister.
He stated, “To date, respecting the dignity of all former Prime Ministers, their last rites were performed at authorized Samadhi Sthals so that every person can pay his last respects without any inconvenience”.
According to him, the government ought to have respected the head of the Congress.
He continued, “Dr. Manmohan Singh deserves our highest respect and Samadhi Sthal. The government should have shown respect to this great son of the country and his proud community”.
What was demanded by the Congress?
Congress had insisted on holding Manmohan Singh’s funeral at the location where his memorial will be built.
On Friday, Jairam Ramesh posted on X, “Earlier this morning, the 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”.
Home Minister Amit Shah informed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Singh’s family following Friday’s cabinet meeting that the government would subsequently set aside space for the memorial.
At the age of 92, Singh passed away on Thursday at AIIMS, Delhi, from age-related illnesses. He was accorded a state funeral with full military honours at the Nigam Bodh Ghat today.
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