Assam Government Breaches State Mourning for Manmohan Singh: LoP Debabrata Saikia
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Guwahati, Dec 29 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition in the Assam Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, on Sunday claimed that the state government has contravened the seven-day period of state mourning dedicated to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Saikia has also sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting his intervention regarding the issue.
"The late Dr. Manmohan Singh was not only the former Prime Minister of India but also a revered Member of the Rajya Sabha representing Assam. He served the state from 1991 to 2019, totaling over 28 years. Despite the government's declaration of a seven-day state mourning from 26.12.2024 to 01.01.2025, it was found violating its own declaration, showing a complete disregard for the legacy of the late Dr. Manmohan Singh. This also contradicts the decision made by the Union Cabinet to refrain from holding any state functions during the mourning period," the senior Congress leader asserted.
"The Assam government and its officials were seen organizing and celebrating scheme launches and programs at the same time when the late Manmohan Singh's funeral was taking place, and you were present at the funeral. Rather than respecting the state mourning, the Assam government behaved as if it were business as usual," he remarked.
Saikia emphasized that the launch of government schemes should have been postponed, at least on the day of Manmohan Singh's funeral.
"This situation is truly regrettable, especially when state mourning was sanctioned by the Union Cabinet, which you preside over. I appeal to your conscience to treat this matter with the utmost seriousness and ensure that the State of Assam properly observes mourning and pays appropriate tribute to the legacy of the late Dr. Manmohan Singh," he stated.
Previously, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a seven-day state mourning.
The Chief Minister also confirmed that all official entertainment programs would be suspended for the next seven days.
On the social media platform X, CM Sarma stated, "In respect of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, Former Prime Minister of India, the Government of Assam will observe a seven-day state mourning from 26.12.2024 to 01.01.2025. During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all state government establishments, and all official entertainment programs will be canceled."
The former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a distinguished economist, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. He had been hospitalized at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the national capital due to a decline in his health.
