Congress accuses government of insulting Manmohan Singh with Nigambodh Ghat funeral

New Delhi: The Congress party has accused the central government of insulting former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by performing his last rites at Nigambodh Ghat. The party described Singh as a “great son of Mother India” and a “pride of the Sikh community,” alleging that the choice of venue was inappropriate.

Former Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticized the government for failing to show respect to Singh, calling him a “great son of the country.”

Meanwhile, BJP president JP Nadda dismissed the Congress’s accusations, accusing the opposition party of politicizing Singh’s death. “The criticism of the Congress for this cheap thinking cannot be overstated,” Nadda said.

Manmohan Singh, a two-time Prime Minister and former Finance Minister, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. His funeral was conducted on Saturday at Nigambodh Ghat with full state honors.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra alleged that the government did not accord Singh the dignity he deserved as a former Prime Minister. She claimed the venue was inadequate and failed to honor his legacy and contributions to the Sikh community. “The government should have acted beyond politics and narrow-mindedness,” she said.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera also criticized the arrangements, alleging disrespect and mismanagement at the funeral. He claimed that the public was not allowed to pay homage properly, with many being forced to remain outside the premises.