"Deliberate insult to first Sikh PM": Congress slams Centre on funeral of Manmohan Singh at Nigambodh Ghat

New Delhi [India], December 27 (ANI): The Congress party on Friday slammed the central government for performing the last rites of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Nigambodh Ghat and said that this is nothing but a "deliberate insult" to the first Sikh PM.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the people of the country are simply unable to understand why the government could not find a location for his cremation.
"Earlier this morning, the Congress President had written to the Prime Minister, suggesting that the cremation of the former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, take place at a location where a memorial could be built to honour his legacy. The people of our country are simply unable to understand why the Government of India could not find a location for his cremation and memorial that is befitting of his global stature, the record of outstanding achievements, and exemplary service to the nation for decades. This is nothing but a deliberate insult to the first Sikh Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh," Jairam Ramesh posted on X.
Congress leader Manish Tewari the cremation of Manmohan Singh at Nigambodh Ghat is "extremely unfortunate."
"If what is appearing in the Public Space is correct that the cremation of Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will be held at Nigambodh Ghat, it is extremely unfortunate. If Late Dr Manmohan Singh's family wanted it that way then it is a different matter otherwise he should be cremated where the last rites of other Former Prime Ministers have taken place," Manish Tewari posted on X.
"This great son of Punjab who was respected across the world for his erudition, knowledge and sagacity needs to be given a final send-off befitting his stewardship of India for ten long years. That is the least that must be done to honour his memory," he added.
Congress leader Alka Lamba accused the government of disrespecting Manmohan Singh and said that the decision of the government is "very unfortunate."
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, this decision of your government is very unfortunate - Manmohan Singh ji's funeral and memorial should have been done with respect without any controversy - What sort of revenge is being taken from Sardar Manmohan Singh ji, the son of Mother India, even after his death?" Lamba posted on X.
Earlier, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged PM Narendra Modi to conduct the last rites of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at a place where a memorial can be built.
"I am writing this in the context of the sad demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India. Apropos our telephonic conversation this morning, wherein I requested to hold Dr Manmohan Singh's last rites, which will take place tomorrow i.e. 28th December 2024, at his final resting place that would be a sacrosanct venue for the memorial of the great son of India. This is in keeping with such tradition of having memorials of statesmen and former Prime Ministers at the very place of their funerals," Kharge said.
The Congress chief said that Manmohan Singh holds a highly revered place in the psyche of the country and the people of this nation.
"While his contributions and achievements are phenomenal, I would like to dwell here on some of his very significant accomplishments. His erudition on economic and fiscal matters comes from his vast experience as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India and various other capacities in several organizations," he said.
"The respect and regard that the world leaders had for Dr Manmohan Singh bears testimony to this fact. His wise counsel, leadership and contribution in mitigating the global economic financial crisis is well acknowledged. As I recall, President Obama during his tenure as President of the US mentioned Dr. Singh and remarked that "Whenever the Indian Prime Minister speaks, the whole world listens to him," he added.
Kharge said that when the nation was in the throes of grave economic crisis, it was Manmohan Singh as Finance Minister, who took India out of the crisis and also led the country towards economic prosperity and stability.
"The nation today reaps the benefits of the robust economic foundations built by them," he added.
Requesting PM Modi, Kharge said, "Coming from a humble background and having experienced the pains and sufferings of the partition, it is through his sheer grit and determination that he rose to become one of the leading statesmen of the world.
Kharge said that a memorial would be a fitting tribute to a leader who rose from humble beginnings to become a statesman of immense stature.
"In view of the foregoing, I hope and trust that befitting the stature of Dr Manmohan Singh, the above request to have the funeral of Dr Manmohan Singh at a place where his memorial can be built, will be accepted," he added.
The last rites of Manmohan Singh are to be performed at the Nigambodh Ghat in the national capital on Saturday afternoon.
"Dr Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister passed away at 9.51 PM on December 26, 2024 at AllMS Hospital, New Delhi. It has been decided by the Government that State funeral will be accorded to Dr Manmohan Singh. The funeral will take place at 11:45 AM on December 28, 2024 at Nigambodh Ghat, New Delhi. The Ministry of Defence is requested to make arrangements for State funeral will full military honours," the Ministry of Home Affairs stated.
Manmohan Singh was born on September 26, 1932. Apart from being an economist, Manmohan Singh served as Reserve Bank of India governor from 1982-1985. He was the 13th PM of India with his tenure from 2004-2014.
He retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year after serving for 33 years. (ANI)