Congress and BJP clash over Manmohan Singh's funeral site: A 'display of disrespect'

The controversy surrounding the funeral arrangements of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has sparked a fierce political debate, with Congress accusing the BJP-led Centre of disrespecting the late leader by holding his last rites at a public crematorium. Singh, who passed away recently, was cremated with full state honours at Delhi's Nigambodh Ghat on December 28, 2024.

Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, expressed outrage over the choice of the cremation site. Gandhi termed it a "total insult" to Singh, emphasizing that previous Prime Ministers had their last rites conducted at authorized memorial sites. "Dr. Manmohan Singh deserves our highest respect and a memorial," Gandhi said, criticizing the government's failure to provide a dedicated space for the leader's legacy.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi added that the funeral site lacked proper arrangements, causing inconvenience to the public and distress to Singh's family members. Pawan Khera, another Congress leader, highlighted several instances of mismanagement, including inadequate seating for the family and disruptions during the procession.

In response, the BJP dismissed Congress's allegations as political opportunism. BJP President JP Nadda condemned the opposition's statements, calling them a reflection of "despicable politics." He assured that a memorial would be built and that the Singh family had been informed about the allocated space. Nadda also accused Congress of neglecting its own leaders' legacies, citing the treatment of former PM Narasimha Rao and ex-president Pranab Mukherjee.