Ashwini Vaishnaw Criticizes Congress for Disrespecting Former PM Manmohan Singh Following 'Ordinance Incident'

New Delhi, Dec 29 (NationPress) Union Railways Minister and prominent BJP figure Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed strong disapproval of the Congress party for leveraging the death of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for political gain. He pointed out that the Congress insulted Singh when their then Vice-President Rahul Gandhi publicly tore an ordinance that was sanctioned by the Union Cabinet under Dr. Singh's leadership in 2013.

In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Union Minister Vaishnaw remarked: "The ultimate insult came in 2013 when Rahul Gandhi publicly tore up an ordinance approved by the Cabinet chaired by Dr. Singh as Prime Minister of India. Height of hypocrisy indeed."

Manmohan Singh, known for his intellect and integrity, remained resolute in his leadership despite facing numerous challenges and insults, particularly from within his own party. As he passed away on December 26, the nation recalls how, despite Rahul Gandhi's disparagement, the isolated Prime Minister stayed committed to his nation.

In a pivotal moment that altered the landscape of Indian politics, Rahul Gandhi, then Vice-President of the Congress Party, dramatically tore apart a significant ordinance supported by his own government in 2013.

The ordinance aimed to shield convicted lawmakers from immediate disqualification and was a contentious piece of legislation previously approved by the Union Cabinet, intended to address issues faced by politicians with pending criminal cases.

Nonetheless, it was Rahul Gandhi's startling action that transformed the ordinance into a focal point of discussion in Indian political history.

This incident occurred just days before the Congress-led UPA government's proposed ordinance was set to be introduced in Parliament. The ordinance was viewed as a protective measure for politicians facing legal challenges and had the backing of then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and several Cabinet members.

Dr. Singh, recognized for his calm demeanor and analytical governance style, found himself ensnared in a political upheaval when Rahul Gandhi made a surprising announcement regarding the ordinance.

At a subsequent press conference, Rahul Gandhi not only denounced the ordinance but also took the audacious step of publicly tearing it apart, labeling it as "complete nonsense." His impassioned stance astonished many, including his party members, revealing a significant rift within the Congress leadership.

Rahul Gandhi's actions were perceived as a direct challenge to Dr. Singh's authority and the decisions of his government, signaling the young leader's escalating discontent with established party leadership and his intent to forge a new political direction for Congress.

This ordinance, which emerged while Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was abroad, severely embarrassed the then UPA government, which ultimately retracted the Act.

AIIMS confirmed that Dr. Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related health issues. Dr. Singh had retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year after a remarkable 33-year tenure in Parliament.

Dr. Manmohan Singh, born in Punjab in 1932, was Prime Minister of India during two terms—2004 to 2014. He first took office in 2004 following Congress' victory in the Lok Sabha elections against the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA and served again from 2009 to 2014, before being succeeded by PM Narendra Modi.

The Modi-led NDA government is dedicated to establishing a memorial for former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, according to Punjab BJP General Secretary Anil Sarin in Chandigarh on Saturday.

The BJP has consistently aimed to honor national heroes like the influential economist Dr. Manmohan Singh, who initiated significant economic reforms in the country, he stated to the media.

"The BJP has always transcended politics, having conferred the Bharat Ratna on Congress leaders such as Madan Mohan Malviya, P.V. Narasimha Rao, and Pranab Mukherjee," remarked Sarin.

He added that the Central Cabinet has decided to construct a national memorial for Dr. Manmohan Singh during its meeting on December 27. He noted that acquiring the location for the memorial, transferring it, establishing a trust, and completing additional paperwork are necessary steps.

"Once the initiative is underway, the memorial's construction will be expedited," he clarified.

He emphasized that despite Union Home Minister Amit Shah informing Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge about the memorial's decision, the Congress is falsely suggesting that the Modi government is uninterested in its establishment. The Congress has consistently disrespected Dr. Manmohan Singh, and it is shameful that they are engaging in petty politics surrounding the death of their own distinguished leader."

Sarin pointed out that apart from Nehru and the Gandhi family, Dr. Manmohan Singh was the only Prime Minister to serve the nation consecutively for ten years.

"We are all aware of the disgrace P.V. Narasimha Rao faced after serving the nation for five years, which is even mentioned in Pranab Mukherjee's autobiography," he added.

Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, also a distinguished economist, passed away at AIIMS in Delhi on Thursday at the age of 92.

Dr. Singh is recognized for implementing reforms and transformative changes in the economy during challenging times.

His passing has elicited condolences from leaders across the political spectrum, notable figures, and global dignitaries.