Hardeep Puri Accuses Congress of Politicizing Dr. Manmohan Singh’s State Funeral Controversy
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has strongly criticized the Congress party for what he called “dirty politics” regarding the state funeral of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. Puri expressed disappointment over the allegations raised by Congress leaders, accusing them of politicizing a solemn occasion and creating unnecessary controversy.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday, was cremated with full state honors at Delhi’s Nigambodh Ghat on Saturday. Top dignitaries from India and abroad were in attendance. However, the Congress party raised objections, claiming that the government had disrespected Dr. Singh by not holding his cremation at Rajghat, a location traditionally associated with national leaders.
Leading Congress figures, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh, and Pawan Khera, accused the government of ignoring protocol. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, dismissed these accusations. Hardeep Puri called the claims baseless, stating, “There is no controversy, but it is being created. The Congress is playing dirty politics, further isolating itself not only within the INDI alliance but across the country.”
Puri also highlighted instances from the Congress’s own history, accusing the party of disrespecting its leaders. Referring to the treatment of former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, he remarked, “This is the same Congress which didn’t allow P.V. Narasimha Rao’s mortal remains to be taken to the party headquarters, forcing his cremation in Hyderabad.”
Responding to claims that the government failed to honor Dr. Singh adequately, Puri explained that a request from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was received late. “The Home Ministry responded promptly to their request for specific arrangements. Unfortunately, the letter reached us at three minutes past midnight the day after his demise,” he said.
The union minister emphasized that the BJP has always admired Dr. Singh and assured that steps would be taken to honor his memory. “The Sikh community prayed for him, and we acknowledge his significant contributions. Even when his ashes were immersed today, our members were present, unlike Congress representatives. A fitting memorial will be built to commemorate him,” he said.
Further fueling the debate, Puri noted the absence of key Congress members during the immersion of Dr. Singh’s ashes. “I looked carefully at the images; I did not see anyone from the Gandhi family or even Congress office-bearers. What are we debating here?” he remarked.
The BJP echoed similar sentiments, accusing the Congress of exploiting Dr. Singh’s passing for political gain. BJP leader Amit Malviya criticized the Congress leadership for being absent when the family collected the late leader’s remains. “For media attention and to politicize his death, Congress leaders were present. However, when it came to honoring him with dignity, they were nowhere to be seen. This is truly shameful,” Malviya said.
The controversy has sparked intense political debates, with both parties trading accusations over the treatment of the former Prime Minister’s legacy. Despite the political wrangling, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contributions to the nation remain a cornerstone of India’s history, with tributes pouring in from around the globe.
