In a late-night decision, the Government of India agreed to allocate memorial space for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, following an official request from the Congress Party. Singh, who passed away on Thursday, will receive a state funeral on Saturday.
The announcement came after Congress accused the government of ignoring their request for Manmohan Singh final rites to be conducted at a location where a memorial could be constructed in his honour. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge directly addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing Singh’s “phenomenal contributions” and urging for a resting place that “symbolizes his legacy.”
Govt Responds to Congress Plea
A statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) clarified that Congress’s request was received Friday morning and was addressed promptly. “Immediately after the Cabinet meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah informed Congress President Shri Kharge and Singh’s family that space will be allocated for the memorial. Cremation and related formalities can proceed, but a trust must be formed to finalize the site,” the statement read.
Political Back-and-Forth
The Congress’s public grievance initially created political friction. Jairam Ramesh, Congress communication chief, criticized the delay, calling it “a deliberate insult to India’s first Sikh Prime Minister.” Party leaders argued that Singh’s stature warranted a memorial at a prominent site, similar to those of other former Prime Ministers.
Lok Sabha MP Manish Tewari remarked, “Singh deserves a final send-off reflective of his global stature and his stewardship of India for a decade.” SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal condemned the initial rejection, calling it “shocking and unacceptable.”
A Policy Reversal
Interestingly, the controversy highlights a policy reversal. In 2013, Singh’s own UPA government ended the tradition of individual memorials, citing space constraints. The UPA Cabinet established Rashtriya Smriti Sthal as a shared memorial ground near Raj Ghat, discontinuing separate sites for former leaders.
The Congress’s push for Singh’s unique memorial space has revived memories of past internal disputes. Former PM P.V. Narasimha Rao was denied a memorial by the Congress in 2004, sparking controversy over his legacy. Rao eventually received recognition with a memorial at Ekta Sthal in 2015 under the NDA government.
Singh’s Legacy and Recognition
Manmohan Singh’s tenure (2004-2014) saw transformative economic reforms, diplomatic strides, and resilience during the 2008 global financial crisis. His modesty and intellectual prowess earned him respect across the political spectrum. Singh remains celebrated for his role in liberalizing India’s economy in 1991 as Finance Minister.
The BJP-led government, which posthumously honored P.V. Narasimha Rao with the Bharat Ratna in 2023, faced calls to ensure Singh receives similar recognition. Political analysts see this memorial allocation as a conciliatory gesture aimed at preserving Singh’s legacy beyond party lines.
The Road Ahead
While the government’s decision marks a significant gesture, the formal allocation of land for Singh’s memorial hinges on the formation of a dedicated trust. As India prepares to bid farewell to one of its most respected statesmen, the process of immortalizing Singh through a national memorial has just begun.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
