– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: The Congress has criticised the state funeral of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, calling it a shocking display of disrespect and mismanagement. Dr. Singh, who passed away at the age of 92 after a prolonged illness, was cremated at Nigambodh Ghat on Saturday.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera expressed his concerns on X, alleging that only Doordarshan was permitted to cover the cremation. According to Khera, DD focused disproportionately on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, while providing minimal coverage of Dr. Singh’s family.
He further claimed that only three chairs were allocated in the front row for Dr. Singh’s family, and Congress leaders had to insist on additional seating for his daughters and other relatives.
Even the PM and cabinet ministers did not stand up when the National Flag was handed to the widow of the late Prime Minister, or during the gun salute, Khera alleged.
“The family was given inadequate space near the pyre because soldiers occupied one side. Public attendees were barred and left watching from outside the venue,” he said.
He also alleged that Home Minister Amit Shah’s motorcade disrupted the funeral procession, forcing family cars to remain outside. The gate was subsequently closed, and family members had to be located and escorted back inside.
Dr. Singh’s grandchildren, who performed the last rites, reportedly had to struggle for space to access the pyre. Additionally, Khera claimed that diplomats were seated separately and were not visible, highlighting the lack of proper arrangements.
Shockingly, the PM did not stand when the King of Bhutan stood.
He criticised the overall organisation of the event, describing the area as cramped and poorly managed, leaving many participants unable to access the procession.
Khera said this disgraceful treatment of a towering statesman exposes the government’s priorities and lack of respect for democratic values. Dr. Singh deserved dignity not this shameful spectacle.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh also criticised the government, stating that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had requested the cremation to take place at a site where a memorial could later be built to honour Dr. Singh’s legacy. However, the request was reportedly ignored.
In a post on X, Ramesh wrote, “The people of our country are simply unable to understand why the Government of India could not find a location for his cremation and memorial befitting his global stature, record of outstanding achievements, and exemplary service to the nation for decades. This is nothing but a deliberate insult to India’s first Sikh Prime Minister.”
