Centre vs Congress: Row Erupts Over Memorial for Former PM Manmohan Singh

Congress-BJP Verbal Clash Over Legacy and Respect

December 28, 2024: As India prepares to bid farewell to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, a political row has erupted between the Congress and the BJP over the establishment of his memorial.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allocate a memorial space at the same site where Dr. Singh’s funeral will take place, citing a tradition of honouring statesmen in this manner.

Also Read: Delhi Traffic Police Issues Advisory Ahead of Former PM Manmohan Singh’s State Funeral

“This is in keeping with the tradition of memorials for former Prime Ministers at their funeral sites,” Kharge said.

Government’s Assurance:
In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured that space for Dr. Singh’s memorial would be allocated, stating that the cremation and other formalities should proceed without disruption.

Also Read: Manmohan Singh’s Cambridge Struggles: There Were Days When He Lived on Chocolate Alone

Congress Criticism:
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned the delay in finalising the memorial location, calling it “an insult to India’s first Sikh Prime Minister.”

BJP’s Counterattack:
The BJP hit back, accusing the Congress of politicising the solemn occasion. They referenced the alleged mistreatment of former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao after his death and a tweet by the daughter of former President Pranab Mukherjee, highlighting Congress’s inconsistent stance on honouring its leaders.

Also Read: ‘Friend, Philosopher, Guide’: Sonia Gandhi Pays Emotional Tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh

Final Rites Arrangements:
Dr. Singh’s mortal remains will be placed at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters on Saturday from 8:30 AM for public homage. The final journey will commence at 9:30 AM, leading to Nigambodh Ghat, where his last rites will be performed with full state honors at 11:45 AM.

Dr. Manmohan Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, leaves behind a legacy of economic reform, integrity, and dedicated leadership.

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Manmohan Singh Memorial, Centre vs Congress, Mallikarjun Kharge, BJP-Congress Clash, Amit Shah, State Funeral, Memorial Controversy, Political Row, Indian Politics, Manmohan Singh Legacy, Final Rites