New Delhi, December 28: The cremation of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Nigambodh Ghat on Saturday has ignited a political firestorm, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accusing the BJP-led government of "totally insulting" Singh and the Sikh community.
Rahul questioned why Singh, India’s first Sikh Prime Minister, was not given a designated memorial space like other former Prime Ministers.
Rahul Gandhi highlighted that past Prime Ministers, including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, were given special sites for cremation to ensure public homage. "Manmohan Singh was a great son of Mother India and a proud representative of the Sikh community. The government’s decision has disrespected his legacy," he said.
The BJP, however, hit back, accusing the Congress of politicizing the matter. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi called it "saddening" and alleged the Congress itself had failed to honor non-Gandhi leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri and P.V. Narasimha Rao during their tenures.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a late-night statement, clarifying that Home Minister Amit Shah had assured Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Singh's family that a memorial site would be allocated in the future.
Earlier, Kharge had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting Singh’s cremation at a location where a memorial could be built, but the request was reportedly declined. Congress leaders, including Manickam Tagore and Ashok Gehlot, expressed disappointment, calling the government's treatment of Singh’s final rites a breach of precedent and respect.
The controversy continues to fuel debates, with Congress leaders demanding the highest respect for Singh, who they credit for steering India into an era of economic growth and social welfare.
