Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized the BJP-led government for allegedly disrespecting former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh by conducting his last rites at Nigambodh Ghat, a public crematorium, instead of a designated memorial site. Gandhi described this decision as an insult to Singh, who he hailed as the “first Sikh Prime Minister and a great son of Mother India.” The Congress had urged the Centre to allocate a special burial site to honor Singh’s legacy, but the government clarified that a memorial would be built later in Delhi, with the cremation proceeding as planned.

Rahul Gandhi emphasized that former prime ministers’ last rites have traditionally been conducted at authorized memorial sites, ensuring public access for paying homage. He expressed disappointment over the government’s handling of Singh’s funeral, calling it a deviation from established practices. Singh, who served as Prime Minister for a decade, was lauded by Gandhi for transforming India into an economic powerhouse and championing policies that uplifted the underprivileged. The controversy sparked a war of words between the BJP and Congress, with the latter labeling the act a “deliberate insult.” The BJP countered the claims, dismissing them as unnecessary politicization of a sensitive issue.

The Union Home Ministry clarified that a dedicated memorial for Singh would be constructed after forming a trust and completing procedural formalities. Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly informed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Singh’s family about the government’s decision. Despite this, Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh, criticized the delay, demanding immediate steps to honor Singh’s legacy. As political tensions simmered, tributes poured in from across the globe, with President Joe Biden and other international leaders praising Singh’s contributions to India and the world.