Manmohan Singh / Tussle over Manmohan Singh's memorial, BJP lashes out at opposition, 'Stop dirty politics'

Manmohan Singh: After the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the controversy over his memorial has become the center of political discussion. Before his funeral at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi on Saturday, rhetoric between Congress and BJP escalated. Congress accused BJP of lack of respect towards the former Prime Minister, while BJP termed it "dirty politics".

Kharge's demand and Center's response

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allocate space at Nigambodh Ghat for Dr. Manmohan Singh's memorial. Linking it to the tradition of Indian politics, he said, "Memorials are built at the cremation sites of former Prime Ministers."

On this, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that space will be allotted for Dr. Singh's memorial and funeral formalities can be completed in the midst of this process. Despite this, Congress accused the Center of not taking immediate action.

Congress's displeasure

Congress leaders accused BJP of disrespect towards the former Prime Minister. Party leader Rajesh Thakur said, "It is highly condemnable that a memorial site for a great leader like Dr Manmohan Singh is not provided." Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said, "Dr Singh's memorial will be a source of inspiration for future generations."

BJP's sharp reaction

The BJP hit back at the Congress, saying that doing politics in the name of Dr Manmohan Singh is indecent. Pointing to the Congress's past behaviour, the party said, "Congress should remember how they treated their own Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao."

Memorial controversy: Tradition vs politics

India has a tradition of building memorials for former prime ministers. Memorial sites were built to pay tribute to Rajiv Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and other leaders. In such a situation, the politics being done over the memorial of Dr Singh, who was the country's first Sikh Prime Minister and was known for many historic economic reforms during his tenure, raises many questions.

Dr Singh's last journey

Dr Manmohan Singh died at the age of 92 in AIIMS, Delhi. His body was kept at the Congress headquarters from 8.30 am, where leaders and workers gave him a final farewell. He was cremated with full state honours at 11.45 am at Nigambodh Ghat.

Conclusion

There is a wave of mourning in the country over the demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh. At such a time, the controversy and political rhetoric over the memorial is unfortunate. Rising above politics, his contribution should be remembered respectfully. The true tribute would be if the issue of the memorial moves towards a solution.