Jairam Ramesh criticized the Central government for failing to locate a site for a memorial dedicated to India's first Sikh prime minister, deeming it a disrespectful oversight. He emphasized the need for recognition of significant historical figures.
In New Delhi, as the nation prepares to bid farewell to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, an unexpected controversy has arisen concerning a potential memorial for him. In light of this situation, BJP leaders have urged the Congress party to refrain from engaging in what they consider inappropriate political maneuvering in the context of Singh's passing.
On Friday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, proposing the idea of establishing a memorial for Manmohan Singh at the same location designated for his last rites. Kharge emphasized that this suggestion aligns with the established convention of commemorating statesmen and former prime ministers at the site of their funerals—an indication of the respect and honor attributed to such figures.
In a subsequent announcement, the central government confirmed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed support for designating a location for Dr. Singh's memorial. At the same time, Shah indicated that the cremation and related rituals could proceed as planned in the interim period.
Reacting swiftly to the BJP's stance, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh voiced his concerns, questioning why the government has not yet finalized a location for the memorial. He described this delay as a disrespectful gesture towards India's first Sikh prime minister, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the situation and the need for a respectful acknowledgment of Singh's contributions to the country.
The BJP, however, has countered these claims, urging the Congress party to reflect on its past treatment of leaders following their deaths. In their statement, they referenced the handling of the late Prime Minister Narasimha Rao's legacy and how the daughter of the former President Pranab Mukherjee commented on the inadequate recognition her father received from the Congress party posthumously.
Manmohan Singh served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and is remembered for his impactful leadership, particularly in his previous roles as the Finance Minister under Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao and as the governor of the Reserve Bank of India. Tragically, he passed away on Thursday at AIIMS in Delhi at the age of 92, leaving behind a profound legacy that continues to resonate within the political landscape.
The arrangements for Dr. Singh's mortal remains reflect a respect that many hold for his contributions. They will be available for public viewing at the All India Congress Committee headquarters for one hour starting at 8:30 AM, enabling party members and citizens to pay their final respects. Subsequently, the procession will commence from the headquarters at 9:30 AM, leading to the cremation site.
His final rites are scheduled to take place at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi at 11:45 AM on Saturday, accompanied by full state honors. This tribute underscores the significant role Manmohan Singh played in the nation's history, reflecting both the solemnity of the occasion and the reverence felt by many for his leadership.
Comments 0