‘Deference To Privateness’: Congress On Why Gandhis Skipped Manmohan Singh’s Ashes Immersion – News18

Final Up to date:December 30, 2024, 21:43 IST

Former PM Manmohan Singh handed away on December 26 on the age of 92 and his ashes have been immersed within the Yamuna river on Sunday. A number of BJP leaders criticised the Gandhi household for being absent.

Amid a row over “insult” to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after his demise, Congress on Monday clarified the absence of the Gandhi household throughout the ritual of ash immersion of the ex-PM, saying the choice was taken to respect the privateness of the household.

Manmohan Singh, the architect of financial reforms in India, handed away on the age of 92 on December 26 after being admitted to AIIMS Delhi after a “sudden lack of consciousness” at residence. The hospital assertion attributed his loss of life to “age-related medical situations”.

He acquired full state honours throughout the ultimate rites held at Nigambodh Ghat on November 28, with a number of dignitaries, together with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. His ashes have been immersed within the Yamuna River on Sunday close to the Majnu ka Tila Gurdwara by his relations, in accordance with Sikh rituals.

Singh’s spouse Gursharan Kaur, their three daughters — Upinder Singh, Daman Singh and Amrit Singh — together with different family have been current on the immersion web site. BJP chief Manjinder Singh Sirsa lamented that there was nobody from the Gandhi household on the ritual.

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Why Gandhi Household Was Not Current There?

Congress defined that leaders wished to respect the privateness of the household. “Senior Congress leaders didn’t accompany the household to assemble and immerse the ashes of S Manmohan Singh ji out of our deference to the privateness of the household,” stated Congress chief Pawan Khera in a press release.

“After the cremation of our beloved departed chief, Sonia Gandhi ji and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra ji met the household at their residence. After discussing them, it was felt that for the reason that household didn’t get any privateness on the time of the cremation and a few prolonged relations couldn’t attain the pyre web site, it might be applicable to present them some privateness for the ‘Phool Chuanana and the immersion of ashes which is an emotionally painful and tough ceremony for shut relations,” he added.

Different senior BJP leaders additionally focused the Gandhi household for not being current on the immersion of Manmohan Singh’s ashes. “The Sikh group got here and prayed for him (former PM Manmohan Singh). We’ve got at all times admired his work and drawn inspiration from him. Even immediately, when his ashes have been immersed, our folks have been there and never the folks from Congress,” Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri instructed information company ANI.

BJP IT Cell Head Amit Malviya additionally highlighted the matter. “Very unhappy to see that not a single member of Congress or the Gandhi household confirmed as much as acquire the stays of Dr Manmohan Singh Ji. For media consideration and to politicise, Congress was current, however when it got here to honouring him with dignity, they have been absent. Actually shameful,” he stated.

The BJP and Congress additionally had fiery exchanges over the latter’s demand that Singh be cremated at a web site designated for his memorial. Whereas the Congress slammed BJP for “insulting” Dr Singh, the ruling celebration hit again by accusing the grand outdated celebration of participating in “low-cost politics.”

Manmohan Singh’s household will maintain an ‘Akhand Path’ at his official residence on 3, Motilal Nehru Marg on January 1, as a part of Sikh rituals.

(with company inputs)