Congress Demands Memorial At Manmohan Singh Funeral Site; Government Cites Rules To Deny It
The Congress Party has criticised the government for allegedly disrespecting the legacy of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh by denying a request to hold his funeral at a location where a memorial could be constructed. Dr Singh died on December 26, 2024, and the government announced that the cremation would take place at Nigambodh Ghat, New Delhi, with full state honours on December 27.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging that Singh’s funeral take place at a site suitable for a future memorial. In his letter, Kharge highlighted Singh’s significant contributions to India’s economic and political landscape, calling him “one of the leading statesmen of the world.” Kharge emphasised Singh’s pivotal role during India’s economic liberalisation and the global financial crisis. Quoting former US President Barack Obama, he noted: “Whenever the Indian Prime Minister speaks, the whole world listens to him.”
Kharge’s appeal was supported by Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, who accused the government of deliberate insult. He said, “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, 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.”
In response, the Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that space for a memorial would be allocated later, as the process required forming a trust and finalising the site. A statement from the ministry read: “Immediately after the Cabinet meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah communicated to Congress President Shri Kharge and the family of Late Dr Manmohan Singh that the government will allocate space for the memorial. In the meanwhile, cremation and other formalities can happen because a trust has to be formed and space has to be allocated to it.” An earlier announcement had confirmed that Singh would receive a state funeral with full military honours at Nigambodh Ghat.
The decision was criticised by opposition leaders and regional parties. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal condemned the move, calling it “shocking and unbelievable.” He stated, “It is condemnable in the extreme that Union Govt has declined the request for a memorial at a place like Raj Ghat… Dr Manmohan Singh Ji’s towering global stature transcends politics and political affiliations.”
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav also voiced his disapproval, stating, “Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Samadhi should be built at Raj Ghat only. BJP should not present an inappropriate example of its narrow thinking. History will never forgive BJP for its negative outlook.”
The BJP defended its stance, citing historical precedents. BJP spokesperson C.R. Kesavan accused the Congress of hypocrisy, referencing the party’s failure to build a memorial for former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao during its tenure. Kesavan said, “It is ironic that Congress President is writing about traditions when the Congress-led UPA government never built a memorial in Delhi for Narasimha Rao Ji. It was PM Modi who instituted a memorial for him in 2015 and posthumously honoured him with the Bharat Ratna in 2024.”
BJP National Secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa dismissed the Congress’s criticism as political opportunism. He remarked, “There is no party as pathetic as Congress! It’s shocking that Congress tries to drag Sikhs into their dirty politics. This is the same party which massacred Sikhs on the streets of Delhi. Have some shame!”
