Manmohan Singh Deserves Respect, Not Controversy

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would have been most unhappy over the controversy that has erupted over the venue of his funeral between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

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Late President Pranab Mukherjee's daughter, Sharmishta, too has jumped into the matter by bringing in her own grouse against the Congress leadership for not passing a resolution in the Working Committee recalling his contributions and service to the party he was associated with for several decades.

Manmohan Singh's death is being used by politicians to score brownie points while the fact of the issue is that the two-term Prime Minister does deserve a place of remembrance in the National Capital. The Centre has declared that a sizable portion of land near the Raj Ghat would be earmarked for his memorial and there was no question of showing any disrespect to someone whose place in history is secure for his role in taking the country forward.

Manmohan Singh never lost sight of his humble beginnings and remained as someone who was admired by both his own supporters as well as adversaries. While it is for the Centre to explain why his last rites were held at Nigambodh Ghat and not at a designated place at Raj Ghat, the Congress also needs to introspect over the treatment it has given to many of its own leaders. However, this is a solemn occasion which needs to be observed keeping both decorum and dignity in mind.