Pralhad Joshi Condemns Congress for Exploiting Former PM Manmohan Singh's Funeral

New Delhi, Dec 29 (NationPress) Union Minister and senior BJP leader Pralhad Joshi has condemned the Congress for politicizing the final rites of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as the country grieves his passing.

In a statement on Saturday via the social media platform X, the Minister expressed: "It is deeply unfortunate and disgraceful that the Congress is engaging in petty politics while the nation mourns the tragic loss of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh."

The BJP leader remarked that such a disrespectful stance from the Congress was not unexpected and aligns with their historical pattern of belittling significant figures, whether from their own ranks or otherwise, particularly those who do not belong to the Nehru-Gandhi lineage, including former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.

Intensifying his criticism of the Congress for disseminating misleading claims that the Central government had denied space for a memorial dedicated to former PM Manmohan Singh, Union Minister Joshi added in his post on X: "Even after Union Home Minister Amit Shah clearly informed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge that a space would be designated for a memorial according to the regulations applicable to all former Prime Ministers, the Congress opted to spread falsehoods and incite animosity during this time of sorrow."

"Our Government holds the contributions of Dr Manmohan Singh in the highest esteem and is dedicated to honoring his legacy for future generations," the Minister continued.

"History demonstrates the instances when the Congress disrespected eminent leaders during their final ceremonies, such as Sardar Patel, Narasimha Rao, and even Pranab Mukherjee."

The Minister further stated: "The Congress must exhibit maturity and dignity, particularly in the passing of one of its most esteemed leaders, and must avoid its shameful and divisive politics instead of manipulating Dr. Singh's legacy for trivial gains."

The senior BJP leader asserted that PM Modi personally ensured that all arrangements were made to honor Manmohan Singh and claimed that the Congress was continuing to engage in trivial politics.

"PM Modi personally oversaw everything and made all the arrangements to pay him the last respects," he added.

In a strong criticism, BJP President and Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Saturday accused the Congress party of 'politicizing' Singh's passing and indulging in 'cheap politics'.

He alleged that the Congress party had never shown respect to the late veteran Manmohan Singh when he was in office.

"It is truly lamentable that former Congress President Rahul Gandhi and the current President Mallikarjun Kharge have not refrained from politicizing even the unfortunate demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Congress, which never demonstrated respect for Dr Manmohan Singh when he was alive, is now engaging in politics under the guise of honoring him," JP Nadda remarked.

"This is the same Congress that tarnished the dignity of the Prime Minister's office by placing Sonia Gandhi as a super PM above PM Manmohan Singh," Nadda continued.

Following the Cabinet meeting on Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah communicated to Congress President Kharge and the family of the late Manmohan Singh that the government would allocate space for the memorial. Meanwhile, cremation and other formalities could proceed as a trust needs to be established for space allocation.

Manmohan Singh received a state funeral with military honors at the Nigambodh Ghat, a public cremation ground in north Delhi, on Saturday.

Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. He had experienced a sudden loss of consciousness at home before being rushed to the hospital.