Centre declined Dr Manmohan Singh’s family request for funeral site, says Sukhbir Badal

Chandigarh: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal has accused the Central government of “misappropriating” the legacy of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

According to Badal, the government has rejected the Singh family’s request to perform his last rites at a site where a memorial could be established.

The government has announced that Dr. Singh’s last rites, with full state honours, will be conducted at Nigambodh Ghat on Saturday.

In a post on X, Badal expressed strong disapproval, stating, “It is condemnable that the Central Government has refused the family’s request for performing the last rites of Manmohan Singh Ji at a location suitable for a historical memorial to honor his unparalleled contribution to the nation.”

Badal further suggested that the last rites should be conducted at Rajghat, aligning with traditions established in the past. He questioned why the government was allegedly disrespecting a leader of Dr. Singh’s stature, particularly as he was the only member of the Sikh community to have served as India’s prime minister.

“Despite our political differences with the Congress, we have always respected Dr. Manmohan Singh for being a statesman beyond politics. He belongs to the entire nation,” Badal remarked, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally intervene and reverse the government’s decision.