Congress Explains Gandhi Family’s Absence at Manmohan Singh’s Ashes Immersion: ‘Deference to Privacy’

Congress Explains Gandhi Family’s Absence at Manmohan Singh’s Ashes Immersion: ‘Deference to Privacy’

Congress provided an explanation for their choice on Monday in the midst of criticism surrounding the Gandhi family’s nonattendance at former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s ash immersion ceremony. The party stressed that the action was taken to protect the Singh family’s privacy at a very sensitive time. At 92 years old, Manmohan Singh, the former prime minister and a significant power behind the country’s financial changes, passed on December 26. In the wake of encountering an unforeseen loss of cognizance at home, he was owned up to AIIMS Delhi. The hospital said that age-related medical issues were the cause of his death.

On November 28, Singh received full state honors during the closing ceremonies held at Nigam Bodh Ghat, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and other dignitaries. By Sikh tradition, Singh’s ashes were submerged in the Yamuna River on Sunday close to the Majnu ka Tila Gurdwara. The ceremony was attended by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, his three kids, and other members of their immediate family. Manjinder Singh Sirsa and other BJP officials, however, criticized the Gandhi family members’ lack of attendance at the ash immersion and voiced their dissatisfaction. He questioned why no Gandhi family members were present at the event.

Congress Clarifies the Situation

Congress leader Pawan Khera answered the controversy by expressing that the Singh family’s protection was regarded by the decision to not join in. Khera said that Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had chatted with the family to give their sympathies following the incineration. After some consultation, it was resolved that the family, who had not managed the cost of sufficient security during the incineration, ought to be conceded space for the very troublesome rituals that followed. Khera underlined that the Gandhi family wanted to give the Singh family the seclusion they required for the ash immersion and emotionally taxing “Phool Chuanana” rituals.

BJP Criticizes Gandhi Family’s Absence

However, the Gandhi family’s refusal to take part in the ceremony drew further criticism from BJP officials. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri lamented that no Congress or Gandhi family members were there, even though Sikhs had come to commemorate Singh. He called the Congress lawmakers’ absence at the ceremony insulting and complimented Singh’s legacy and achievements.

The Gandhi family’s absence was also denounced by Amit Malviya, the leader of the BJP’s IT Cell. He charged that the Congress had failed to show respect when it was most needed and had instead utilized Singh’s death for political ends. He called the omission “shameful” and asserted that Congress was more concerned with garnering media attention than paying respect to Singh.

Tensions Between Congress and BJP

Both sides engaged in contentious discussions, and the dispute went beyond the ash immersion. Members of the BJP rejected the Congress’s demand that Singh be cremated in a designated memorial location, calling it “cheap politics.” As one side accused the other of disrespecting Singh’s legacy, the animosity between the two parties grew more intense.

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Upcoming Rituals for Manmohan Singh

According to Sikh customs, on January 1, Manmohan Singh’s family will host a “Akhand Path” at his official home, 3 Motilal Nehru Marg. Close family members and well-wishers will attend this holy event, which is an important component of Singh’s family’s grieving process.