3 days ago
Last Updated:December 30, 2024, 15:48 IST
On December 27, at 12:30 pm, PM Modi was to distribute property cards to over 50 lakh people as a part of Swamitva scheme. But as a mark of respect to Dr Manmohan Singh, the PM’s programme was cancelled.
PM Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi (PTI Images)
Rahul Gandhi’s “private visit" to Vietnam during the mourning period for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is in sharp contrast to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach as he had cancelled a major programme on Friday in respect of the former PM.
On December 27, at 12:30 pm, PM Modi was to distribute property cards to over 50 lakh people as a part of Swamitva scheme. Government officials say it was a massive nationwide program with crores of people participating and ministers present in various parts of the country. But as a mark of respect to Dr Manmohan Singh, the PM’s programme was cancelled. The former PM passed away on the night of December 26.
The government has declared a 7-day ‘State Mourning’ throughout India from December 26, 2024 to January 1, 2025 and stipulated that “there will be no official entertainment during the period of state mourning." Many other central and state programmes have been cancelled during the period as well. In fact, the Congress also cancelled its official programmes, including foundation day celebrations, during the period.
The BJP is now terming Gandhi’s foreign trip on New Year’s Eve as an “insult" to the former Prime Minister and is pointing out the hypocrisy of Gandhi in targeting the BJP over the last rites of Manmohan Singh. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said Gandhi has changed the meaning of his post of LoP (Leader of Opposition Party) to “Leader of Paryatan (Tourism)" and had disrespected ex-PM Manmohan Singh.
On the social media platform ‘X’, a summary of posts on this issue as per Grok said: “The sentiment on social media largely portrays this action negatively, suggesting a disconnect with national sentiment."
Congress Leaders Defend Gandhi
Congress leaders were largely defensive on Gandhi’s actions, with Manickam Tagore asking what problem the BJP had if Gandhi was travelling “privately" and Udit Raj asking who was saying if Gandhi is partying.
“When will the Sanghis stop this ‘Take Diversion’ politics? The way Modi denied Dr. Saheb a place for cremation on the Yamuna banks and how his ministers cornered Dr. Saheb’s family is shameful. If Mr Gandhi travel privately, why does it bother you? Get well in New year," Tagore wrote on X.
Location : First Published:December 30, 2024, 15:42 IST
News politics Rahul Gandhi In Vietnam During Mourning Period For Dr Manmohan Singh, PM Modi Cancelled Dec 27 Event
