'Hope Congress Stops Exploiting…': BJP's Rebuttal On Row Over Manmohan Singh Funeral

Last Updated:December 29, 2024, 12:50 IST

The BJP also slammed the Congress and the Gandhis for being absent when former PM Manmohan Singh's family came to collect his remains

Former PM Manmohan Singh died on December 26. (Image: News18)

Politics is peaking over the arrangements made at the funeral of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, with the BJP putting out a point-by-point rebuttal of the accusations made by the Congress.

The BJP also slammed the Congress and the Gandhis for being absent when Dr Manmohan Singh’s family came to collect his remains on Sunday. The Grand Old Party has alleged mismanagement at Nigambodh Ghat during the funeral.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said news agencies, except Doordarshan, were not allowed; and that the Doordarshan focused on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, barely covering Singh’s family.

BJP’s spokesperson Amit Malviya has now countered saying the Ministry of Defence has no role in coverage of functions. “In past as well, only DD has done the coverage. Restriction of entry is by Security agencies. functions are also covered by DD only," Malviya said.

Khera had claimed that only 3 chairs were kept in the front row for Dr. Singh’s family. “Congress leaders had to insist on seats for his daughters and other family members," he had said.

Malviya has now countered saying seating at Funeral site is arranged by CPWD in consultation with Delhi Police. “Number of seats in front row was kept at a maximum, as per the available space. Five (5) seats were earmarked for family members in first row. These were occupied by Mrs. Manmohan Singh and her three daughters. The Balance 20 seats were for constitutional authorities who were to lay a wreath like the President, King of Bhutan, PM, Vice-President, the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Leaders of the Opposition and Service Chiefs among others) ," Malviya said.

The BJP spokesperson said no other person was allotted front row seat. “In second row, eight seats were earmarked for family members. In the next two rows, (rows 3 and 4) the enclosure was earmarked for family members," Malviya said.

Khera had also said that PM & ministers did not stand up when the Flag was handed to the widow of the late Prime Minister, or during the gun salute. Malviya says the state funeral was done with full military honours and there was no deviation in process.

Khera had also claimed that the family of Dr Singh was given inadequate space around the pyre due to soldiers occupying one side. “Site for funeral was communicated by MHA. Only ceremonial personnel were there around pyre. The whole space was available for family and priests. No other official occupied that area," Malviya has countered.

Khera had said that the public was kept out, left watching from outside the venue, and alleged that Amit Shah’s motorcade disrupted the funeral procession, leaving family cars outside. “The gate was closed, and family members had to be located and brought back in," Khera said.

Malviya said the public restriction is imposed by Security agencies for overall security and the whole venue was full. “The funeral procession was managed by Traffic Police. Details of family cars were sought in advance and passes were issued to them by Security unit for parking. There was no disruption in funeral procession," Malviya said.

The Congress had also said that Dr Singh’s grandchildren performing last rites had to jostle for space to reach the pyre. Malviya has countered saying only family members, priests and ceremonials guards were present near the pyre.

The Congress also said that the diplomats were seated elsewhere and were not visible. “Diplomats were also seated in designated place. King of Bhutan and Foreign minister of Mauritius were seated in front row as per protocol," Malviya has said.

Finally, the Congress said the entire funeral area was cramped and poorly organized, leaving no space for many participants in the procession.

Malviya says no restriction was imposed on well wishers, supporters and visitors to come in and pay respect. “Opportunities included the residence, the party office, the funeral procession and the Venue of the funeral. The MoD is tasked with conduct of the Funeral with full military honours. The same was carried out," Malviya said.

The BJP said Congress should stop exploiting Dr Manmohan Singh in death and accord him the dignity he deserves. “For media attention and to politicize, Congress was present, but when it came to honoring him with dignity, they were absent. Truly shameful," Malviya said.

News politics 'Hope Congress Stops Exploiting…': BJP's Rebuttal On Row Over Manmohan Singh Funeral