After the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, political rhetoric regarding his last rites and immersion of ashes has intensified. While the Congress accused the BJP of insulting Dr. Manmohan Singh, the BJP has raised questions over the absence of the Gandhi family during the immersion of the ashes.
BJP targeted Gandhi family
BJP leader Manjinder Sirsa criticized the Gandhi family and said,
“It is extremely sad that the Gandhi family was doing politics on the funeral of the former Prime Minister a day before. But today, when his ashes were immersed in the Yamuna river, there were no cameras, so no member of the Gandhi family was present. Congress insulted him again.”
Bone immersion according to Sikh customs
The ashes of Dr. Manmohan Singh were immersed by his family in the Yamuna river near Majnu Ka Tila Gurudwara in Delhi as per Sikh traditions.
His family members were present on the occasion:
- His wife Gursharan Kaur
- Three daughters Upinder Singh, Daman Singh, and Amrit Singh
- other close relatives
Dr Singh’s family has announced to organize ‘Akhand Path’ as per Sikh customs on January 1 at his official residence, 3 Motilal Nehru Marg.
Apart from this, Bhog, Last Ardaas, and Kirtan will be organized in his memory at Rakabganj Gurudwara on January 3.
Congress statement
Congress, while sharing information about immersion of Dr. Singh’s ashes on its official page, tweeted:
“Today, the ashes of Dr. Manmohan Singh, son of Mother India and former Prime Minister of the country, were immersed with full rituals at the Yamuna Ghat near the Gurudwara located at Majnu Ka Tila. We will always remember his service to the country, his dedication, and his spontaneity.”
Questions raised on funeral
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s last rites were performed with state honors at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi on 30 December. Congress targeted BJP regarding this. Rahul Gandhi alleged that conducting the last rites at Nigambodh Ghat is an insult to Dr. Singh.
BJP hit back saying:
- Providing land for a memorial takes time, but the last rites cannot be delayed.
- The government had already informed the Singh family and the Congress about the memorial.
- Congress is doing politics on this issue.
Contribution of Dr. Manmohan Singh
Dr. Manmohan Singh died on 26 December at AIIMS, Delhi. His tenure and contribution will always be remembered in Indian politics.
- He was a scholar, an accomplished economist, and an iconic face of Indian politics.
- His demise left the entire nation in mourning.
