Disrespected Dr Manmohan Singh’s Family: Congress’ Big Allegation Against Government
Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was cremated with full state honours on Saturday at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi, amidst an atmosphere of mourning and reverence. His funeral, attended by prominent national and international dignitaries, has become a point of contention after the Congress accused the government of mismanagement and disrespect towards the late leader’s family.
Dr Singh, who passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday at AIIMS Delhi, was given a 21-gun salute as part of the state funeral. His eldest daughter, Upinder Singh, lit the funeral pyre in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi, among others. However, Congress’ Media and Publicity Chairman, Pawan Khera, strongly criticised the handling of the ceremony.
Khera alleged that the government’s arrangements displayed a lack of respect for Dr Singh and his family. He noted that the public broadcaster, Doordarshan (DD), was the only media outlet allowed to cover the funeral. According to him, DD focused disproportionately on Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, neglecting coverage of Dr Singh’s family during the proceedings.
The Congress leader also pointed out that only three chairs were initially reserved in the front row for the late prime minister’s family. It was reportedly after insistence by Congress leaders that seats were arranged for Singh’s daughters and other relatives. Khera further criticised the apparent failure of government officials, including the Prime Minister, to stand during the ceremonial handing over of the National Flag to Dr Singh’s widow or the gun salute.
Another major issue raised was the space allocated to the family around the pyre. Khera claimed that soldiers occupied one side of the pyre, leaving inadequate room for the family to perform the last rites. He added that Dr Singh’s grandchildren had to struggle to reach the pyre during the rituals.
The Congress also took issue with the disruption allegedly caused by Amit Shah’s motorcade, which reportedly blocked the funeral procession and left family members stranded outside the venue. Khera claimed that the gate was closed, and efforts had to be made to locate and bring back the family members who were excluded.
Diplomats attending the funeral also faced inconvenience, according to the Congress. Khera highlighted that they were seated away from the main area and were not visible during the ceremony. He further noted that Prime Minister Modi remained seated even when the King of Bhutan stood as a mark of respect.
The Congress leader criticised the overall organisation of the event, describing the area as cramped and poorly arranged, which left several participants in the funeral procession struggling for space. He argued that such arrangements were unbefitting of a leader of Dr Singh’s stature and accused the government of showing disregard for democratic values and traditions.
Calling the funeral arrangements a “shameful spectacle,” Khera said the incident reflected poorly on the government’s priorities. “Dr Singh deserved dignity, not this disgraceful treatment,” he stated, urging the nation to reflect on the way it honours its statesmen.
The government has yet to respond to the allegations.
Congress Playing Politics: BJP On “Disrespect To Dr Manmohan Singh’s Family” Allegation
In a related post, K C Venugopal, Congress general secretary in charge of organisation said:
“Mr. Nadda and the BJP have crossed all boundaries of decency and have in fact compelled us to point out the rank hypocrisy and cheap political tricks of the BJP throughout the last two days.
“The shoddy arrangements and the Government’s conduct at Dr. Manmohan Singh ji’s cremation were deeply insulting and made it clear that the government was hell bent on diminishing his stature for their petty political reasons.
“The attempts to cut corners were for all to see, and there were many instances where the family was insulted and the overall dignity and protocol befitting Dr. Singh’s stature was completely lacking.
“This monumental insult to Dr. Manmohan Singh is unacceptable and India will never forgive the PM and his Government for playing politics over the last rites of Dr. Singh.”
