Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal raised concerns about the location of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s last rites, which were held at Nigam Bodh Ghat instead of the customary Raj Ghat. Kejriwal took to social media to question the BJP-led government’s inability to provide a piece of land for Dr. Singh’s last rites at Raj Ghat, traditionally reserved for the last rites of India’s Prime Ministers.
Arvind Kejriwal Criticizes BJP for Not Providing Land at Raj Ghat
“I am shocked to hear this news. The last rites of the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh were performed at Nigam Bodh Ghat. Before this, the last rites of all the Prime Ministers of India were performed at Raj Ghat. The BJP government could not provide even 1000 yards of land for the last rites and burial of Dr. Manmohan Singh, who belonged to the Sikh community and was renowned all over the world and was the Prime Minister of India for 10 years,” Kejriwal posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Full State Honours for Dr. Manmohan Singh at Nigam Bodh Ghat
Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92 due to age-related ailments, was cremated with full state honours on Saturday at Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi’s Kashmere Gate area. The ceremony saw a number of prominent political figures in attendance, including President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who all paid their respects by placing wreaths near Singh’s mortal remains.
Sikh Rituals Followed for Dr. Singh’s Last Rites
As per Sikh customs, the former Prime Minister’s mortal remains were placed on a pyre of sandalwood sticks at the VIP Ghat. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, along with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, also attended the cremation ceremony after paying tribute to the late leader. Prior to the cremation, Singh’s body was brought to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi for party workers and supporters to pay their respects.
Legacy of Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Political Career
Manmohan Singh’s political career spanned several decades, leaving a significant mark on India’s economic landscape. As Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, he led groundbreaking economic reforms that played a key role in transforming India’s economy. Singh also served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, overseeing the country through periods of economic growth and challenges. After his tenure, Dr. Singh retired from public life, with Narendra Modi succeeding him as Prime Minister in 2014 after the Congress-led UPA’s defeat in the general elections.
Key Takeaways / Highlights:
- Arvind Kejriwal’s Criticism: Kejriwal expressed shock over Manmohan Singh’s last rites at Nigam Bodh Ghat, a deviation from the tradition of performing Prime Ministers’ last rites at Raj Ghat.
- BJP’s Inaction: He questioned why the BJP government couldn’t allocate 1000 yards of land for Dr. Singh’s last rites.
- Singh’s Legacy: Former PM Manmohan Singh, known for his leadership during India’s economic reforms, was cremated with state honours at Nigam Bodh Ghat.
- Political Leaders Pay Tributes: The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including President Droupadi Murmu, PM Modi, and Congress leaders.
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