New Delhi: The passing of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on December 26, 2024, has led to a significant controversy over the location of his memorial. Known for his role in economic liberalization in 1991 and his tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, Singh's death at the age of 92 was followed by a public and political dispute concerning the honor befitting his legacy.

The Congress party, to which Singh belonged, demanded that his last rites be conducted at a location where a memorial could be built in his honor. They argued that this was in line with the tradition of recognizing statesmen with dedicated memorials, emphasizing Singh's significant contributions to India's economic and social landscape. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting a befitting site, highlighting Singh's global stature and his service to the nation.

However, the initial response from the Union Home Ministry was to conduct Singh's cremation at Nigambodh Ghat, a public crematorium in Delhi, rather than at a site intended for a memorial. This decision sparked a political firestorm, with Congress leaders labeling it as a "deliberate insult" to India's first Sikh Prime Minister. They pointed out the anomaly of not providing a memorial for a leader of Singh's caliber, referencing the precedents set for previous prime ministers.

The BJP countered these allegations by reminding Congress of their own history, particularly the lack of a memorial for another former Congress Prime Minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao. BJP leaders argued that the Congress's criticisms were politically motivated, aimed at scoring points rather than genuinely honoring Singh's memory.

The controversy escalated with posts on social media platforms like X, where sentiments ranged from accusations of "cheap politics" by the BJP to demands for respect for Singh's legacy. The public discourse was further fueled by media reports and statements from political figures across the spectrum, who either supported the Congress's stance or criticized it for politicizing the matter.

Eventually, after intense negotiations and public outcry, the Centre announced its agreement to allocate space for a memorial for Dr. Manmohan Singh. This decision came after a late-night cabinet meeting where Union Home Minister Amit Shah communicated the government's intention to Congress leaders, allowing for the cremation to proceed while the memorial site was organized.

This episode not only highlighted the respect and reverence for Singh but also underscored the deep political divisions in India, where even matters of memorializing national figures can become contentious battlegrounds.