Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized the central government for not allocating space at the Rajghat complex for the funeral of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. Taking to Instagram, Gandhi expressed his disapproval, calling it a blatant disregard for the legacy of one of India’s greatest leaders.
A National Icon Denied Due Respect
In his heartfelt post, Rahul Gandhi described Dr. Singh as a “great son of Bharat Mata” and highlighted his contributions as the first Sikh Prime Minister. He served as the country’s leader for a decade, during which India transformed into an economic powerhouse. Gandhi underlined that the government’s decision to hold the funeral at Nigambodh Ghat was an insult to the former PM’s stature and the respect he commanded worldwide.
Highlighting Dr. Singh’s unparalleled contributions, Gandhi remarked, “During his tenure, his policies uplifted millions of underprivileged and backward sections of society, laying the foundation for India’s modern economic trajectory.” He stressed that every former Prime Minister had been accorded the honor of final rites at authorized memorial sites, allowing the public to pay their respects. Dr. Singh, he argued, deserved nothing less.
Opposition Leaders Condemn Government’s Decision
The government’s decision to forgo Rajghat as the location for Dr. Singh’s funeral has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties.
“BJP’s Petty Politics,” Says Prominent Leaders
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari called the move “deeply unfortunate”, accusing the BJP of “low-level politics”. He stated, “It is customary for a Prime Minister’s final rites to take place at a site where their memorial is later established. The government had ample time—over 36 hours—to decide. Yet, they chose not to honor this great leader appropriately.”
AAP leader Sanjay Singh echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that every previous Prime Minister had been given a dignified farewell at Rajghat. “This decision reflects the narrow-mindedness of the government,” Singh asserted. Meanwhile, AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj expressed astonishment that a statesman of Dr. Singh’s caliber, whose economic policies are studied globally, was denied a place at Rajghat. “It is unprecedented and shameful,” Bhardwaj added.
Legacy of Manmohan Singh: A Decade of Excellence
Dr. Manmohan Singh, a renowned economist and the architect of India’s liberalization, served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. Under his leadership, India witnessed remarkable growth, transitioning into a global economic force. His policies, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and initiatives for rural electrification, left an indelible mark on the lives of millions.
The opposition emphasized that ignoring such a legacy was an affront to the sentiments of Indians across all sections of society. Dr. Singh’s contributions were not confined to economic reforms; his leadership during critical periods, including the global financial crisis, showcased his unmatched acumen.
A Tradition of Honor Ignored
Historically, the final rites of former Prime Ministers have been conducted at Rajghat and its adjoining memorials, which symbolize the nation’s collective respect for its leaders. This tradition ensures accessibility for the public to pay homage. Leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee were accorded this honor, reinforcing the importance of preserving such legacies.
Critics argue that the decision to hold Dr. Singh’s funeral at Nigambodh Ghat violates this practice and diminishes his contributions. Congress leaders have questioned why the government failed to uphold the sanctity of this tradition.
Government’s Silence Draws Criticism
The government has yet to provide a clear justification for the decision. This lack of transparency has fueled allegations of political bias. Critics argue that the move reflects the ruling party’s failure to rise above partisan politics and accord due respect to a leader who served the nation with integrity and humility.
Public Reaction: An Outpouring of Grief and Discontent
Social media platforms have been flooded with messages from citizens, political leaders, and international figures expressing grief over the loss of Dr. Manmohan Singh and dismay at the government’s handling of his funeral. Hashtags such as #HonorDrSingh and #RespectOurLeaders have trended globally, with many questioning the government’s priorities.
Call for Introspection
The denial of a Rajghat funeral for Dr. Singh has sparked a larger debate about the need to uphold democratic traditions and respect for leaders who have served the nation selflessly. Rahul Gandhi’s call for the government to reflect on its decision resonates with a growing sentiment among citizens that partisan politics should not overshadow the legacy of national leaders.
A Final Note
As India mourns the loss of one of its greatest visionaries, the controversy surrounding his final rites serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring those who have shaped the nation’s destiny. Leaders like Dr. Manmohan Singh, who devoted their lives to public service, deserve nothing less than the nation’s highest regard.
