‘Cong creating controversy over Manmohan Singh's funeral', says Union minister Hardeep Puri

A war of words erupted between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress over Singh's cremation at Delhi's Nigambodh Ghat.

Published on: Dec 29, 2024, 14:54:20 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday hit out at the Congress, accusing it of “creating” a controversy over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and building a memorial for him.

Supporters during Congress silent rally in tribute to former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who died in New Delhi on Thursday night. (PTI file)

“There is no controversy but it is being created. Congress party is isolated in the INDI alliance and even in the country. Congress which didn't allow PV Narasimha Rao's mortal remains to come to party headquarters and his final cremation was done in Hyderabad,” Puri told ANI.

"Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote a letter that we (Congress) would like something - the home ministry released a communication and said that we agreed to their request," the minister said.

Puri assured that a memorial will be built to honour the memory of the former PM.

ALSO READ: JP Nadda's ‘super PM jibe’ amid Congress' attack over Manmohan Singh's funeral

"The Sikh community came and prayed for him (Manmohan Singh). We have always admired his work and drawn inspiration from him. Even today, when his ashes were immersed, our people were there and not the people from Congress. In the days to come, a memorial will be built for sure. I don't think that we should give a free run to those who are creating controversy," he added.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma too slammed the Congress, accusing it of politicisng the ex-PM's demise.

"Dr Manmohan Singh, a statesman of unparalleled dignity and intellect, deserved much better, both in life and in death. It is deeply disheartening to witness the Congress Party attempting to stir controversy around his final journey, diminishing the solemnity it truly deserved," Sarma said in a post on X.

Political row over Manmohan Singh's funeral

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh died on Thursday at the age of 92. He was cremated with full state honours on Saturday in the presence of top dignitaries from the country and abroad.

A war of words erupted between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress over Singh's cremation at Delhi's Nigambodh Ghat.

Notably, a war of words has broken out between BJP and Congress leaders over the cremation of Manmohan Singh at Delhi's Nigambodh Ghat.

Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in an X post,"The great son of India and the first Prime Minister of the Sikh community, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji has been totally insulted by the present government by performing his last rites today at the Nigambodh Ghat."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.