The country’s revered leader and the 13th Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh dies at 92 years in Delhi on Thursday. When India is getting ready to send off its former prime minister, the question of a memorial dedicated to him has emerged as a political issue. This issue has led to a flutter between BJP and Congress parties.
Manmohan Singh’s Contributions to India
His achievements earned him respect across party lines, making him a notable figure in Indian history as the country’s first Sikh prime minister.
The Memorial Debate
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has recently upped the ante of asking for the construction of a memorial for Dr. Singh at the place of cremation. This he said is in line with tradition having seen the Indian tradition of commemorating statemen and former prime ministers with most monuments being put at their cremation grounds.
In response, the BJP announced that a site for Dr. Singh’s memorial will be allocated. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured that this decision would honor the late prime minister’s legacy. Meanwhile, the BJP also criticized Congress for politicizing the issue.
Jairam Ramesh’s Remarks
Congress MP and former union Minister Jairam Ramesh asked the Centre to explain why it had not yet found a site for the memorial. He proceeded to term it as a disrespect to Dr. Singh while at the same time explaining how much the man helped the country.
The BJP responded by accusing Congress of charlatanism. Some of them reminded the Congress party how it had dealt with the remains of the former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao and former President Pranab Mukherjee. BJP leaders asked Congress not to engage in what they deemed ‘dirty politics.’
Last Rites of Dr. Manmohan Singh
The last journey of Dr. Singh started on Saturday. His mortal remains were kept at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters from 8:From 30 am to 9:30 am party men and women flock the place to freely pay their respect to the supreme leader. His funeral was held at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi at 11:45 am with full state honors.
India Mourns the Loss of a Great Leader
When the news of Dr Singh’s demise came out, the nation has paid a fitting tribute as a true statesman and progressist he was. It will be also important to note that he devoted much of his service to implementing economic changes as well as demonstrating steadfastness and poise.
Conclusion
Situation over the construction of a memorial for Dr. Manmohan Singh has turned political rivalry into the open. Congress and BJP both have appreciated his works, but it again shows political intensity between two major competing parties. Still, Dr. Singh has left a great legacy of being a visionary leader and the one who seeks for progress and for that reason people all over the world will remember him.
