'Deference To Privacy': Congress On Why Gandhis Skipped Manmohan Singh's Ashes Immersion

Last Updated:December 30, 2024, 21:43 IST

Former PM Manmohan Singh passed away on December 26 at the age of 92 and his ashes were immersed in the Yamuna river on Sunday. Several BJP leaders criticised the Gandhi family for being absent.

Manmohan Singh's ashes were immersed in the Yamuna river by his family on Sunday. (PTI)

Amid a row over “insult" to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after his demise, Congress on Monday clarified the absence of the Gandhi family during the ritual of ash immersion of the ex-PM, saying the decision was taken to respect the privacy of the family.

Manmohan Singh, the architect of economic reforms in India, passed away at the age of 92 on December 26 after being admitted to AIIMS Delhi after a “sudden loss of consciousness" at home. The hospital statement attributed his death to “age-related medical conditions".

He received full state honours during the final rites held at Nigambodh Ghat on November 28, with several dignitaries, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. His ashes were immersed in the Yamuna River on Sunday near the Majnu ka Tila Gurdwara by his family members, in accordance with Sikh rituals.

Singh’s wife Gursharan Kaur, their three daughters — Upinder Singh, Daman Singh and Amrit Singh — along with other relatives were present at the immersion site. BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa lamented that there was no one from the Gandhi family at the ritual.

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Why Gandhi Family Was Not Present There?

Congress explained that leaders wished to respect the privacy of the family. “Senior Congress leaders did not accompany the family to gather and immerse the ashes of S Manmohan Singh ji out of our deference to the privacy of the family," said Congress leader Pawan Khera in a statement.

“After the cremation of our beloved departed leader, Sonia Gandhi ji and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra ji met the family at their residence. After discussing them, it was felt that since the family did not get any privacy at the time of the cremation and some extended family members could not reach the pyre site, it would be appropriate to give them some privacy for the ‘Phool Chuanana and the immersion of ashes which is an emotionally painful and difficult ceremony for close family members," he added.

Other senior BJP leaders also targeted the Gandhi family for not being present at the immersion of Manmohan Singh’s ashes. “The Sikh community came and prayed for him (former PM 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," Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told news agency ANI.

BJP IT Cell Head Amit Malviya also highlighted the matter. “Very sad to see that not a single member of Congress or the Gandhi family showed up to collect the remains of Dr Manmohan Singh Ji. For media attention and to politicise, Congress was present, but when it came to honouring him with dignity, they were absent. Truly shameful," he said.

The BJP and Congress also had fiery exchanges over the latter’s demand that Singh be cremated at a site designated for his memorial. While the Congress slammed BJP for “insulting" Dr Singh, the ruling party hit back by accusing the grand old party of engaging in “cheap politics."

Manmohan Singh’s family will hold an ‘Akhand Path’ at his official residence on 3, Motilal Nehru Marg on January 1, as part of Sikh rituals.

(with agency inputs)

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