Congress Playing Politics: BJP On “Disrespect To Dr Manmohan Singh’s Family” Allegation
The state funeral of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, held at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi on Saturday, has ignited a political row between the Congress and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While Congress accused the government of mishandling the ceremony and disrespecting Dr Singh’s family, the BJP countered these claims, labelling them as opportunistic and politically motivated.
Dr Singh, a two-term Prime Minister who passed away at 92, was cremated with full state honours. His funeral pyre was lit by his eldest daughter, Upinder Singh, in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and top Congress leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi. The ceremony also featured a 21-gun salute.
Congress leader Pawan Khera criticised the government’s arrangements, accusing it of sidelining Dr Singh’s family. He alleged that Doordarshan (DD), the sole media outlet allowed to cover the event, focused more on PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah than the bereaved family. Khera also claimed that the family was not provided adequate seating and that protocol lapses, such as officials remaining seated during the handing over of the National Flag to Dr Singh’s widow, marred the occasion.
In response, BJP leaders condemned the Congress for politicising a moment of national mourning. Union Minister Piyush Goyal called the Congress’ allegations “utterly shameful,” stating that the government had ensured all arrangements adhered to protocol. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed heartfelt condolences and is leading the nation in mourning,” Goyal said, adding that plans for a memorial for Dr Singh were already underway.
Goyal further accused the Congress of historical hypocrisy, claiming it had repeatedly undermined Dr Singh’s authority during his tenure as Prime Minister. “History remembers how the Congress humiliated Dr Singh and other leaders like PV Narasimha Rao and Pranab Mukherjee. It was PM Modi who recognised and honoured their contributions,” Goyal stated.
BJP President JP Nadda also weighed in, accusing the Congress of exploiting the funeral for political gain. “While the nation mourns the loss of a towering leader, the Congress is busy advancing its political agenda. The Gandhi family’s disregard for Congress leaders, even those of immense stature like Dr Singh, is evident,” Nadda remarked, asserting that the BJP deeply values Dr Singh’s contributions.
Congress leader KC Venugopal fired back, accusing the BJP of “rank hypocrisy” and “cheap political tricks.” In a social media post, Venugopal criticised the government for allegedly cutting corners and failing to maintain the dignity befitting Dr Singh’s stature. “India will not forgive this monumental insult to one of its greatest statesmen,” he wrote.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also joined the debate, calling the denial of a befitting memorial site for Dr Singh an insult to his legacy and the Sikh community. “Relegating a two-term Prime Minister to Nigambodh Ghat reeks of arrogance and bias,” Stalin stated, emphasising that Dr Singh’s contributions to India’s progress deserved greater respect.
