Pranab Mukherjee's Condolence Meeting: A Missed Gesture by Congress
December 28, 2024: Pranab Mukherjee's Condolence Meeting: A Missed Gesture by CongressSharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of former President Pranab Mukherjee, has sharply criticized the Congress leadership amid the ongoing debate over a memorial for former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
In a statement on social media platform X, Sharmistha highlighted what she described as Congress's selective approach in honoring its leaders. She revealed that when her father passed away in August 2020, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) did not even convene a condolence meeting.
Also Read: Centre vs Congress: Row Erupts Over Memorial for Former PM Manmohan Singh
"A senior Congress leader told me it’s not customary for Presidents. But my father’s own diaries reveal that a condolence meeting was called for former President K.R. Narayanan, and my father himself drafted the message," she stated.
When baba passed away, Congress didnt even bother 2 call CWC 4 condolence meeting. A senior leader told me it’s not done 4 Presidents. Thats utter rubbish as I learned later from baba’s diaries that on KR Narayanan’s death, CWC was called & condolence msg was drafted by baba only https://t.co/nbYCF7NsMB
— Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) December 27, 2024
Historical Precedent Ignored:
Sharmistha also pointed to the Congress's historical oversight, referring to Dr. Sanjaya Baru’s book, "The Accidental Prime Minister," which detailed how the Congress-led UPA government from 2004 to 2014 did not build a memorial for former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao.
Also Read: ‘Friend, Philosopher, Guide’: Sonia Gandhi Pays Emotional Tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh
"Despite leading India through transformative years, Narasimha Rao didn’t receive the recognition he deserved from the Congress," the book noted.
Political Undercurrents:
BJP leader CR Kesavan weighed in, accusing Congress of sidelining leaders not belonging to the Gandhi family.
Also Read: Manmohan Singh’s Cambridge Struggles: There Were Days When He Lived on Chocolate Alone
The Larger Debate:
The ongoing row over Dr. Manmohan Singh's memorial has reopened old wounds and sparked fresh debates about how political parties honor their leaders.
As Congress pushes for a dedicated memorial for Dr. Singh, the contrasting treatment of Pranab Mukherjee and PV Narasimha Rao remains a contentious issue, raising larger questions about legacy and respect in Indian political traditions.
Tags:
Sharmistha Mukherjee, Manmohan Singh Memorial, Pranab Mukherjee, Congress Leadership, Memorial Controversy, Political Row, PV Narasimha Rao, Congress Working Committee, Political Legacy, Indian Politics, Leadership Respect
Last Updated on December 28, 2024 by Misha Bhatia
