BJP Criticizes Congress for 'Unethical Politics' After Dr. Singh's Passing; Reiterates Memorial Promise

New Delhi, Dec 28 (NationPress) BJP National Spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Saturday criticized the Congress party for engaging in what he described as 'unethical politics' after the death of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

In an interview with IANS, he also reiterated the Modi government's commitment to providing a space for a memorial in memory of the late leader.

Dr. Manmohan Singh, India's 14th Prime Minister and a renowned economist, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.

Recognized as the 'architect of India's economic reforms', Dr. Singh served as Prime Minister for two consecutive terms from 2004 to 2014, leading the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA).

Discussing the controversy regarding calls for a memorial in his name, Trivedi stated, 'The entire nation is mourning the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The BJP-led NDA government is dedicated to establishing a memorial in his honor, and this decision has been communicated to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.'

He accused Congress of 'engaging in unethical politics' over this matter, asserting, 'Everyone is aware that when Dr. Manmohan Singh was alive, he did not receive appropriate respect from the Congress, and now condemnable politics is being played following his demise.'

'Dr. Manmohan Singh was the first Prime Minister from Congress outside the Nehru-Gandhi family who led the nation for a decade. It is well-known how the Congress treated former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, the first PM outside the Nehru-Gandhi family,' he remarked, adding that it has been the 'nature of Congress to deny due respect to leaders outside their family.'

He also highlighted the historical neglect of various leaders, mentioning figures like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Lal Bahadur Shastri, P.V. Narasimha Rao, and Pranab Mukherjee.

'It is regrettable that Congress is exploiting this solemn occasion for political gain. Their actions are not unprecedented, as seen in the case of late President Pranab Mukherjee, whose daughter, Sharmistha Mukherjee, criticized the party for failing to organize a condolence meeting after his death.'

Trivedi further stressed that the BJP respects Dr. Singh's legacy, accusing Congress of hypocrisy.

'Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the government has gone beyond party lines, awarding Bharat Ratna honors to Congress leaders like Madan Mohan Malaviya, P.V. Narasimha Rao, and Pranab Mukherjee. Padma awards have also been presented to Congress stalwarts such as S.C. Jamir and Tarun Gogoi.'

'The unfortunate reality is that everyone is aware of how Dr. Manmohan Singh was treated during his lifetime, and now Congress is playing politics following his passing. Conversely, the NDA government has consistently honored leaders who contributed to India's progress.'

Earlier today, Dr. Singh's last rites were held with full state honors at Delhi's Nigam Bodh Ghat.

The 'politics' surrounding Dr. Manmohan Singh’s memorial began as Congress leaders criticized the decision to conduct the last rites at Nigam Bodh Ghat, arguing that a designated memorial site should have been established.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to the government yesterday, requesting a dedicated space for the memorial.