Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stirred controversy by criticizing the Congress party’s handling of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s funeral arrangements. Dr. Singh passed away on December 26 at AIIMS Delhi, and while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced plans for a memorial, details remain unclear.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Sarma lamented the treatment of the statesman, writing, “Dr. Manmohan Singh, a statesman of unparalleled dignity and intellect, deserved much better, both in life and in death.”
Sarma’s comments come amidst debates over Dr. Singh’s memorial plans and perceived lapses in the Congress’s role during the funeral proceedings. Drawing comparisons to past instances, Sarma accused the Congress of disrespecting its leaders, referencing the treatment of Narasimha Rao and Pranab Mukherjee.
He further recalled the strained relationship between Dr. Singh and the Congress leadership, specifically mentioning Rahul Gandhi’s actions during Dr. Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister. “The public still remembers the indignities inflicted upon Dr. Singh, including Rahul Gandhi’s infamous gestures that undermined his stature,” Sarma remarked.
The Assam CM emphasized the need to honor Dr. Singh’s legacy without politicizing his passing. “Let us honor his memory with the dignity and respect he so richly deserves, free from any discord or manipulation by the leadership of the Congress party,” he added.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, renowned as the architect of India’s economic liberalization during his tenure as Finance Minister (1991–1996), served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. His contributions to India’s economic transformation have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.