Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister, a prominent individual in the reconstruction of India’s economic environment was cremated with full state honors at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi on December 28, 2024.
The service was attended again by the President, the Prime Minister, and several dignitaries, even from overseas; for example, the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
Singh’s eldest daughter, Upinder Singh, lit the pyre with her father amidst chanting hymns.
Congress’s Charges of Mismanagement
The Congress party alleged mismanagement into what was an unfurling sense of solemnity during the funeral arrangements.
Pawan Khera, a senior leader of the Congress, termed the ceremony “a shocking display of disrespect and mismanagement.”
He cited unacceptable issues, the most pressing being that Singh’s family was given seating. They were afforded three chairs in the front row. He accused the government of not paying attention to strict protocol around certain key events, a prime instance being when Singh’s widow was handed the national flag and the ceremonial gun salute.
In large measure, the Prime Minister and other ministers did not pay homage by observing silence during those portions.
In general, there was hardly any space allowed for the family around the pyre owing to the location of the soldiers.
Echos by Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin echoed this sentiment, condemning the government for giving this status to the last rites of Singh at Nigambodh Ghat and calling it a direct insult to Singh and the Sikh community.
He accused the government of discouraging Singh’s contributions by restricting the ceremonial site for him.
Rahul Gandhi’s Comments and the Response from the BJP
Congress’ Rahul Gandhi also took a dig at the government’s selection of the site for Singh’s cremation, stating that since Singh is the first Sikh Prime Minister and a supreme leader, he surely deserved a higher, respectful place along with a more dedicated memorial.
He took to social media to state his dissatisfaction with government actions that insulted the memory of Singh.
In retaliation, BJP accused Congress of politicizing a solemn occasion. BJP spokespersons justified the government’s arrangements with the reassurance that the funeral was conducted with full state honors according to the prescribed protocol.
They slammed the Congress for the continued “cheap politics” when the country is in mourning and claims by the party of “derogatory comments”.
The official statement from the government: Future memorial plans
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale offered answers to the representations made regarding the memorial when he stated that the memorial in Singh’s honor is under consideration by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
He advised people to be patient and assured that the government understands what Singh did for the country and that fitting recognition will be provided.
Public and international reactions
The funeral proceedings and subsequent political discourse have drawn a mixed bag of applause among the public and the international community.
While many mourn the loss of a leader credited with liberalizing India’s economy and enhancing its international stature, the controversies surrounding the funeral arrangements have sparked debates about protocol, respect for leaders, and the politicization of state ceremonies.
International leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, expressed their condolences and recognized Singh’s significant role in shaping India’s economic trajectory.
The Mauritian government announced that its national flag would fly at half-mast in tribute to Singh, reflecting his global influence and high esteem held for him in world relations.
Singh’s passing marks the close of an era in Indian politics-an era defined by major economic reforms that began accepting certain elements of market capitalism from the eighties and a considered effort toward inclusive growth.
