NEW DELHI: Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh on Friday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government, saying the government’s decision to perform former prime minister Manmohan Singh’s last rites at Nigambodh Ghat was the first day India’s first Sikh He called it a “deliberate insult” to the Prime Minister.
Jairam shared a post on I would like to express my respect for the achievements he has left behind. ”
“The people of our country simply cannot understand why the Indian government could not find a cremation and memorial place for him that befits his world stature, outstanding achievements and decades of exemplary service to the nation. It is nothing but a deliberate insult to India’s first Sikh Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh,” he added.
The remarks come after Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to arrange the funeral of Dr Manmohan Singh at a location where a memorial can be installed at his final resting place. It is.
Kharge said such a gesture was a fitting tribute to a leader of Singh’s stature and accomplishments, and was also in keeping with the tradition of the former prime minister.
However, there has been no official response from the government regarding this matter.
The Union government’s “decision to construct a monument in honor of Manmohan Singh has been conveyed to Parliament. However, Congress is playing politics over the issue,” PTI said, citing official sources.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s last rites are scheduled to be performed at Nigambor Ghat with full state honors on Saturday.
“The government has decided to provide a state funeral for Dr. Manmohan Singh. The funeral will be held at Nigambod Ghat, New Delhi on December 28 at 11:45 am,” the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a statement. statement.
Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal alleged that the Center had “rejected” a request from Singh’s family to perform the funeral and last rites at a location where a suitable memorial could be erected. did.
“Shocking and unbelievable! The federal government has refused the request of the family of Dr Manmohan Singh Ji to hold his funeral and last rites at a location where a suitable and historic monument will be erected to commemorate him. “His unparalleled contribution to the nation is highly reprehensible,” Badal said in another post about X.
He added: “It is difficult to understand why the government would show such contempt for the only great leader of the Sikh community to become prime minister.” Cremation is planned at this time. It is hard to believe that the prejudices of the Bharatiya Janata Party government could be so extreme, with complete disregard for the world-class status proclaimed by Dr. Manmohan. Shinji was fun and I will continue to enjoy it. ”
“Dr Sahib has shown great care and compassion in his dealings with the Shiromani Akali Dal on the issue of Sikhism and Punjab. I urge you to personally intervene to make a change.”
In another post, former Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said, “If what is appearing in the public space is correct that former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s cremation will take place at Nigambodh Ghat; That is extremely unfortunate.” ”
“If that is what the family of late Dr Manmohan Singh wants, then that is a different story, but if not, he should be cremated at the same place where the last rites of other former prime ministers were performed. This great son of Punjab is renowned for his erudition. Respected throughout the world. Knowledge and wisdom need to be given a fitting final send off after a decade of rule. That is the least we can do to honor his memory. “I mean,” he added.
Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92 at AIIMS in Delhi due to age-related health problems. Congress general secretary KC Venugopal had earlier confirmed in a statement that Singh’s final procession would begin from the headquarters to the crematorium at 9.30am on Saturday.
“Tomorrow, December 28, at 8 a.m., his remains will be taken to AICC headquarters, where the public and members of Congress will have an opportunity to express their condolences from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Dr Singh’s final journey to heaven will begin from the AICC headquarters to the crematorium tomorrow at 9.30 am,” Venugopal added.
