The decision to cremate former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at Nigambodh Ghat, rather than at the Rajghat complex where many of his predecessors were honored, has sparked significant controversy and discontent, particularly within the Sikh community. Dr. Singh, who passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92, was India’s first and only Sikh Prime Minister, serving from 2004 to 2014.
Prominent political figures and parties have expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s decision. Arvind Kejriwal, National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), criticized the move, stating, “Manmohan Singh, a global icon and India’s only Sikh Prime Minister, was denied even 1,000 square yards of land for his cremation and memorial at Rajghat. Almost all former Prime Ministers were cremated there, but the BJP government refused this basic courtesy to Singh.”
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Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Indian National Congress, also condemned the decision, describing it as an “insult” to both Dr. Singh and the Sikh community. He remarked, “The great son of India and the first Prime Minister of the Sikh community, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji has been totally insulted by the present government by conducting his last rites at Nigambodh Ghat instead of Rajghat.”
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The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) joined the chorus of criticism, with its leader Sukhbir Singh Badal expressing shock over the government’s decision. He stated, “It is inexplicable why the government is showing such disrespect to the great leader who was the only member of the Sikh community to rise to become Prime Minister.”
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In response to the backlash, the government clarified that the decision was in line with a 2013 policy, established during Dr. Singh’s own tenure as Prime Minister, which aimed to restrict the construction of memorials for public figures to prevent the misuse of public land. BJP President JP Nadda addressed the criticism by highlighting this policy, stating, “The Congress party, which did not even bother to call a CWC meeting to condole the death of Dr. Manmohan Singh, is now shedding crocodile tears. It was during Dr. Singh’s tenure that a decision was taken not to have memorials for leaders.”
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Despite the government’s explanation, the decision has been perceived by many as a slight to Dr. Singh’s legacy and an affront to the Sikh community, leading to a heated political debate and calls for an apology from the ruling party.