The death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was a sign of a major change in Indian politics. His demise not only left a political void, but it has also given rise to several controversies, with a major political fight between the Congress and the BJP over his funeral. This controversy intensified on the day when BJP MP Sambit Patra made sharp statements against the Congress party and its leaders.
Strong rhetoric emerged between Congress and BJP
BJP gave a strong reply to the questions raised by the Congress party after the funeral of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Senior BJP leader and MP, Sambit Patra said cremation is a sensitive and quick process and there should not be any delay in it. Attacking the Congress, he said, “The process of building a memorial is a different thing, but cremation is a process which should be completed immediately. This was a direct communication, which was taken forward by our party, but for the Congress to do politics in this matter, especially on this tragic day, it was extremely objectionable.”
Sambit Patra further said that the Congress Party and its supporters should refrain from making such unnecessary comments which would hurt the honor of any person who has ever served the country. He also said that the statements by Congress hurting the dignity of Manmohan Singh show that anything can be done in the name of politics, even the funeral of a great leader can be dragged into controversies.
Controversy over Rahul Gandhi’s tweet
The BJP MP specifically cited a tweet by former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, calling it the lowest level of Indian politics. Rahul Gandhi had made some comments related to the cremation of Manmohan Singh, which were sharply criticized by the BJP. Sambit Patra said, “Because of the Congress party, we have come here today to hold a press conference on the day when former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was cremated. BJP believes that there should be respect and dignity after death, but the way Congress and Rahul Gandhi played politics is shameful.”
Sambit Patra said that the BJP had decided in a cabinet meeting after the demise of Manmohan Singh that a memorial should be built as a tribute to him. In this his positive works will be especially remembered. He also said that a letter was written to the Congress and the family of Dr. Manmohan Singh, in which this decision was taken.
Controversy over building a memorial
Another important question at the root of this controversy was the issue of building a memorial for Manmohan Singh. BJP had earlier announced that a memorial should be built to always remember his contribution, but Congress had raised questions on this. Some Congress leaders had said that the process of building such memorials should not be hasty and should be done in a peaceful and thoughtful process.
Congress said that no political steps should be taken until there is complete consensus on this issue. The Congress accused the BJP of using Manmohan Singh’s name only for political gains and turning his memory into a tool for political gain. According to the Congress, this is not the time to pay tribute, but it requires a serious discussion whether this memorial is needed and if so, how it should be done.
Clash of politics and honor
This controversy not only reflects a new direction in Indian politics, but it also shows how much the definition of honor and dignity has changed in Indian politics. When such a political drama is witnessed after the death of a former Prime Minister of the country, the question arises whether political leaders should really rise above their personal disputes and differences and consider national issues?
This incident highlights the aspect of Indian politics where despite the work done by a leader during his lifetime, politics does not stop after his death. In fact, this tendency of politics has now become so deep that sometimes it even drags the entire tribute process into controversies. This incident shows that in Indian politics even death is not free from politics.
Ultimately, is this the right form of politics?
Answers to all the questions cannot be found, but one thing is clear that this entire incident has proved that nowadays in Indian politics it has become difficult to keep any topic free from politics. Be it the death of a leader or honoring his contribution, every issue is seen through the prism of politics. This incident shows that when a prominent leader dies, the process that follows does not escape politics.
The country needs a monument
Manmohan Singh’s contribution will always be remembered in Indian politics. As a PM, his policies, his work and his simplicity are still alive in the hearts of people. In such a situation, it is important that he be respected in the same manner as he wanted in his life. A positive and inspiring memorial will keep his contribution alive forever, and will be a source of inspiration for generations to come.
