The passing of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92, marked the end of an era in Indian politics. Renowned as the architect of India’s economic liberalization and for his tenure as the nation’s first Sikh prime minister, his death elicited a spectrum of reactions and political developments.
State Funeral and Honors
Dr. Singh was cremated with full state honors at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi on December 28, 2024. The ceremony adhered to Sikh traditions and was attended by a multitude of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, members of the Cabinet, and leaders from various political parties. International representatives and diplomats also paid their respects, underscoring Dr. Singh’s global stature.
Political Controversies Surrounding the Funeral
Despite the solemnity of the occasion, the funeral arrangements became a focal point for political contention:
Allegations of Disrespect: The Indian National Congress accused the central government of not according Dr. Singh the honors befitting his stature. Rahul Gandhi and Pawan Khera criticized the arrangements, contrasting them with the more elaborate state funeral of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2018.
Government’s Response: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri refuted these allegations, accusing the Congress of politicizing the former Prime Minister’s death and asserting that the government had followed all protocols appropriately.
Seating Arrangements: The seating plan at the funeral further highlighted political divides, with government officials and opposition leaders reportedly seated separately, prompting discussions about the symbolism of such an arrangement.
Memorialization Dispute
A significant point of contention arose over the location of Dr. Singh’s cremation and the establishment of a memorial:
Congress’s Position: The Congress party expressed dissatisfaction with the choice of Nigambodh Ghat for the cremation, advocating for a more prominent site befitting Dr. Singh’s legacy. They also requested land allocation for constructing a memorial.
Government’s Stance: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed these concerns, urging the Congress to refrain from politicizing the issue and to honor Dr. Singh’s memory with the dignity it deserves.
Public and International Reactions
The nation observed a seven-day mourning period, with flags flown at half-mast and the suspension of official entertainment events. Tributes poured in from global leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, who acknowledged Dr. Singh’s role in strengthening U.S.-India relations.
Conclusion
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s demise has not only left a void in Indian politics but has also sparked debates reflecting the nation’s deep-seated political rivalries. While his contributions to India’s economic transformation are universally acknowledged, the controversies surrounding his funeral arrangements underscore the persistent politicization of national events.