Manmohan Singh’s Cremation has ignited a political controversy as Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri rebuked Congress for leveling allegations of mismanagement during the former Prime Minister’s state funeral. Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, accused the BJP of disrespecting the towering statesman, but Puri dismissed the claims as an attempt to score “cheap political shots.”
Congress Alleges Disrespect In State Funeral
The Congress party, with Rahul Gandhi at the forefront, raised concerns about the state funeral organized at Delhi’s Nigambodh Ghat. Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders criticized the choice of venue and the alleged poor arrangements made for the ceremony. They labeled the event as disrespectful and highlighted specific grievances, such as the lack of adequate seating for Dr. Singh’s family and the limited media coverage beyond state-run Doordarshan.
Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera pointed out several lapses, including alleged disruptions by Home Minister Amit Shah’s motorcade, inadequate space for family members, and an overall cramped and poorly organized funeral. Khera described the arrangements as a “disgraceful treatment” of a towering leader and an “exposure of the government’s priorities.”
Hardeep Singh Puri Responds To Allegations
Hardeep Singh Puri strongly countered Congress’s allegations in a detailed rebuttal. Speaking to NDTV, he clarified that the government had ensured the highest level of state honors for Dr. Manmohan Singh. Puri revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a cabinet meeting immediately after Dr. Singh’s demise, where it was decided to grant him a state funeral of the highest order.
Puri emphasized that the choice of Nigambodh Ghat was practical due to heavy rainfall in Delhi at the time, which made other venues unsuitable. “Nigambodh Ghat is a VIP ghat with adequate space, unlike smaller venues like Lodhi,” he remarked.
Addressing the Congress’s claims of inadequate respect, Puri highlighted the irony of the party criticizing the arrangements, considering their alleged mistreatment of former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao. “In 2004, Congress did not allow Rao’s body to be brought to the AICC headquarters. His cremation was conducted in Hyderabad. It was only under Prime Minister Modi’s government that a memorial was established for him,” Puri said.
Congress Defends Its Position
Congress leaders defended their stance, citing that the family of Dr. Singh wished for a private cremation and not a political spectacle. Party sources stated that this was why senior Congress leaders and members of the Gandhi family refrained from attending the immersion of Dr. Singh’s ashes.
However, Puri questioned the absence of prominent Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, at the immersion ceremony. “He was a former Prime Minister. Even if the family desired a private ceremony, it does not absolve the party from showing respect,” he argued.
Historical Context: Congress And Its Leaders
The political row has brought historical events into focus. Puri recalled Congress’s alleged neglect of former leaders like Narasimha Rao, who played a pivotal role in shaping India’s economic reforms alongside Dr. Singh. Rao’s contributions were often overshadowed by the party’s focus on the Nehru-Gandhi family, Puri asserted.
The BJP also highlighted Congress’s lack of acknowledgment of Rao’s legacy until Modi’s administration granted him the respect he deserved. These historical parallels were used to question Congress’s accusations of disrespect in Dr. Singh’s case.
The Debate Over Venue And Arrangements
The choice of Nigambodh Ghat has been a significant point of contention. Congress criticized the location as unbefitting for a statesman of Dr. Singh’s stature, while Puri justified it based on practicality. He explained that the persistent rain in Delhi rendered other potential venues unsuitable.
The BJP defended the arrangements, pointing out that all protocols were followed meticulously and that Congress’s criticism was an attempt to politicize a solemn occasion.
Public And Diplomatic Reactions
The controversy has drawn mixed reactions from the public and international figures. Diplomats present at the ceremony expressed their condolences and paid their respects, while some raised concerns about the event’s organization. The debate has also sparked discussions about the dignity accorded to departed leaders and the balance between political optics and personal wishes.
Amid the political slugfest, the public has expressed sorrow over the loss of Dr. Singh, a revered economist and statesman. The controversy surrounding his funeral has overshadowed the tributes paid to his legacy.
A Divided Legacy
As the debate continues, it raises broader questions about how political parties treat their leaders posthumously. The Manmohan Singh Cremation controversy underscores the deep political divides in India, with each side leveraging the incident to criticize the other.
The legacy of Dr. Manmohan Singh remains intact as one of India’s most significant economic reformers. However, the debate over his funeral arrangements highlights the ongoing struggle between honoring leaders with dignity and navigating political rivalries.