Congress Party's Disrespect Towards Non-Gandhi Leaders: Insights from Sudhanshu Trivedi (IANS Interview)

New Delhi, Dec 28 (NationPress) BJP National Spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Saturday condemned the Congress party over the Dr Manmohan Singh memorial issue, asserting that leaders ‘from outside the family’ have never received the honor they deserve within the party.

In a discussion with IANS, Trivedi accused Congress of politicizing the memorial matter of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92.

Furthermore, the BJP spokesperson elaborated on the Sambhal controversy, spiritual leader Swami Ram Bhadracharya, and the discord within the INDIA bloc.

Excerpts from the interview:

IANS: Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of late former President Pranab Mukherjee, criticized Congress for demanding a separate memorial for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, pointing out that the party did not even hold a condolence meeting when her father passed away. What is your perspective on this?

Sudhanshu Trivedi: It is regrettable. The treatment of P.V. Narasimha Rao and Pranab Mukherjee is well known.

In contrast, the BJP-led NDA government, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has transcended party lines to honor all significant figures who have contributed to the country's prestige. We awarded the Bharat Ratna to three prominent Congress leaders: Madan Mohan Malviya, P.V. Narasimha Rao, and Pranab Mukherjee.

Additionally, several Congress leaders have received Padma awards, such as S.C. Jamir and Tarun Gogoi. Nevertheless, Congress has never granted them the esteem they warranted. It is disheartening that everyone is aware of how Dr. Manmohan Singh was treated during his lifetime, and now there is political maneuvering following his death.

IANS: The call for a memorial for the former Prime Minister has ignited controversy, despite the Union cabinet's approval. How do you interpret this?

Sudhanshu Trivedi: Presently, the whole nation is grieving the loss of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The entire country desires a designated place for a dignified memorial for the late leader. The PM Modi-led NDA government and the BJP are dedicated to this cause, and thus a memorial will be established in honor of Dr. Manmohan Singh.

The steps to construct the memorial will be undertaken, and this has been communicated to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

IANS: Do you believe Congress is engaging in dirty politics following Dr. Singh's passing?

Sudhanshu Trivedi: It is unfortunate that during this sorrowful period, Congress is indulging in its despicable politics. It is well known that Dr. Manmohan Singh did not receive the respect he deserved from Congress during his lifetime, and now, condemnable politics is being played out after his demise.

Dr. Manmohan Singh was the first Prime Minister from Congress outside the Nehru-Gandhi family, serving the country for ten years. The treatment of former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, the first PM outside the Nehru-Gandhi family, is also widely recognized.

It has been Congress's pattern to overlook leaders outside their family. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Lal Bahadur Shastri, P.V. Narasimha Rao, and Pranab Mukherjee are just a few examples.

Congress should refrain from political maneuvering during this period of mourning.

IANS: Spiritual leader Swami Ram Bhadracharya stated, "It is a positive development that traces of a temple have been discovered in Sambhal, and we will safeguard it through legal means, votes, or public backing." What is your position on this?

Sudhanshu Trivedi: The Supreme Court has mandated that everyone adhere to the court's ruling.

IANS: The INDIA bloc is experiencing fractures in various states. Reports suggest an internal discord within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Furthermore, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal has indicated that Congress should be ousted from the alliance. What is your response to this?

Sudhanshu Trivedi: Right after the elections in Maharashtra, the disparities in the Maha Vikas Aghadi became apparent. The tensions between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress have now come to light.

In Delhi, both Aam Aadmi Party and Congress are hurling insults at each other. This clearly indicates that the INDIA bloc, formed at the start of 2024, is dissolving by the year’s end.

In Maharashtra, leaders from Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) once embraced each other like family, but deep down, each was solely focused on seizing power by sidelining others.