Pralhad Joshi Critiques Congress for Political Maneuvering During Former PM Manmohan Singh's Last Rites

New Delhi, Dec 29 (NationPress) Union Minister and senior BJP leader Pralhad Joshi has condemned the Congress for engaging in political tactics surrounding the final rites of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh while the nation is in mourning.

In a recent post on the social media platform X, the Minister remarked: "It is very unfortunate and shameful that the Congress is playing dirty politics while the nation mourns the sad demise of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh."

He added that this disrespectful behavior by the Congress is not surprising and aligns with their longstanding tradition of insulting prominent figures, regardless of whether they belong to their party or not, including former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.

Joshi intensified his criticism of the Congress for disseminating false claims that the Central government denied space for a memorial for former PM Manmohan Singh. He stated on X: "Even after Union Home Minister Amit Shah clearly informed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge that space for a memorial would be allocated according to the standard procedures for all former Prime Ministers, the Congress chose to spread lies and hate during this period of mourning."

"Our Government holds the contributions of Dr Manmohan Singh in the highest regard and remains dedicated to preserving his legacy for future generations," the Minister added.

"History illustrates the times when Congress mistreated statesmen during their final rites, such as Sardar Patel, Narasimha Rao, and even Pranab Mukherjee."

Furthermore, the Minister urged the Congress to demonstrate maturity and dignity, at least in acknowledging the passing of one of its most esteemed leaders, and to cease its disgraceful and divisive politics, rather than exploiting Dr. Singh's legacy for trivial benefits.

The senior BJP leader noted that PM Modi personally ensured all arrangements were made to honor Manmohan Singh and accused the Congress of continuing to engage in petty politics.

"PM Modi himself took care of everything and made all the arrangements to give him the last respects," he remarked.

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

He claimed that the Congress party had never shown respect to the late veteran Manmohan Singh during his tenure.

"It is indeed very unfortunate that former Congress President Rahul Gandhi and current President Mallikarjun Kharge are not refraining from politicizing even the sad demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Congress, which never respected Dr Manmohan Singh while he was alive, is now engaging in politics under the guise of his respect," JP Nadda stated.

"This is the same Congress that diminished the dignity of the Prime Ministerial office by placing Sonia Gandhi as a super PM above PM Manmohan Singh," Nadda added.

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 will allocate space for the memorial. Meanwhile, cremation and other formalities can proceed as a trust needs to be established and space allocated.

Manmohan Singh was honored with a state funeral featuring 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 health issues. He experienced a sudden loss of consciousness at home before being taken to the hospital.