Rahul Gandhi Claims the Government Disrespected Manmohan Singh by Conducting His Last Rites at Nigambodh Ghat

New Delhi, Dec 28 (NationPress) On Saturday, the Congress party criticized the central government for what they termed an "insult" to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, asserting that his last rites were conducted at Nigambodh Ghat rather than at a memorial site intended for national leaders.

In a statement on X, Congress figure Rahul Gandhi shared his discontent, declaring, "The esteemed son of Mother India and the inaugural Sikh Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, has been dishonored by the current administration by having his last rites conducted at Nigambodh Ghat. Under his leadership, India transformed into an economic powerhouse, and his enduring policies remain beneficial for the underprivileged and marginalized segments of society."

He continued, "Historically, all former Prime Ministers of India have been granted the honor of having their last rites performed at specific memorial sites. These locations not only commemorate their significant contributions but also allow citizens to pay their final respects without difficulty. Dr. Manmohan Singh, a leader of vision and a symbol for his community, warranted the utmost respect and a proper memorial. The government should have adhered to this tradition and shown due honor to this great son of India."

The comments made by the Congress party have ignited a political discourse, with both supporters and opponents weighing in on whether the chosen venue was suitable for the last rites of one of India’s most revered leaders.

In contrast, the BJP criticized the Congress party for what they labeled as "dirty politics" concerning the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh. In remarks to IANS, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi reiterated the Modi government's pledge to establish a memorial in tribute to the late leader.

Trivedi accused Congress of "playing dirty politics" regarding the situation, asserting, "It is well-known that while Dr. Manmohan Singh was alive, he did not receive adequate respect from Congress, and now disgraceful politics is being played posthumously."

"It is regrettable that Congress is exploiting this serious moment for political gain. Their behavior is not unprecedented, as demonstrated in the instance of the late President Pranab Mukherjee, whose daughter, Sharmistha Mukherjee, rebuked the party for failing to organize a condolence meeting following his death," he remarked.

Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was interred with full State honors at Delhi's Nigambodh Ghat on Saturday, as the nation mourned the loss of the Congress figure who was affectionately recognized as the 'Architect of India's economic reforms.'

The funeral was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and various dignitaries from both the ruling and opposition parties.

International dignitaries, including Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful, also participated in the somber ceremony.