New Delhi, December 28: A political rift unfolded between the Congress and the BJP-led Central government following the cremation of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Congress accused the BJP of disrespecting Singh by denying a designated site for his last rites that could also serve as a memorial, while the BJP dismissed these allegations as political opportunism.
BJP National President JP Nadda criticized the Congress, claiming it disrespected Singh during his lifetime and is now politicizing his demise. “Rahul Gandhi, who once tore an ordinance approved by Manmohan Singh, is now accusing the government of dishonor. The Congress leadership has a history of neglecting great leaders, from Sardar Patel to PV Narasimha Rao and Pranab Mukherjee,” Nadda asserted. He highlighted that the Modi government had communicated plans to establish a memorial for Singh, emphasizing the BJP’s belief in “dignity in death.”
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, addressing the media, reiterated the government’s commitment to honoring Singh. He accused Congress of spreading misinformation, pointing out that cremation logistics could not wait for the formal allocation of memorial land. Patra added, “The Congress has damaged Singh’s dignity through its internal politics, and their actions today reflect a new low.”
Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, expressed outrage over the decision to perform Singh’s last rites at Nigambodh Ghat, calling it a “deliberate insult” to the former Prime Minister and the Sikh community. Rahul Gandhi emphasized Singh’s contributions as a transformative leader who shaped India’s economic growth and supported marginalized communities. He demanded the establishment of a proper memorial befitting Singh’s stature.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also condemned the government’s decision, describing it as a “deliberate attempt to erase Singh’s legacy.” Stalin highlighted Singh’s pivotal role in India’s economic transformation and termed the alleged disregard as an insult to progress.
In response to the uproar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah clarified that the government is committed to creating a memorial for Singh, but procedural requirements necessitate trust formation and land allocation, which take time. Singh, who passed away at the age of 92 due to age-related complications, was accorded a state funeral with full military honors at Nigambodh Ghat.
The controversy has reignited debates over the legacy of India’s former leaders and the politics surrounding their commemoration.
