3 days Ago By TOI News Desk
NEW DELHI: War of words erupted between BJP and Congress after BJP alleged that Rahul Gandhi is travelling to Vietnam during the seven-day national mourning period for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. In a post on X, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya accused Rahul Gandhi of politicising Manmohan Singh's demise. "While the country is mourning Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s demise, Rahul Gandhi has flown to Vietnam to ring in the New Year.
Rahul Gandhi politicised and exploited Dr Singh’s death for his expedient politics but his contempt for him is unmissable," Malviya said. "The Gandhis and the Congress hate the Sikhs. Never forget that Indira Gandhi desecrated the Darbar Sahib," he added.
Congress representative Mancikam Tagore responded to BJP's accusations stating, "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," he added. This comes a day after BJP questioned Gandhi family for not showing up up to collect the remains of Manmohan Singh. Congress clarified that they did not accompany Manmohan Singh's family for ash immersion to ensure privacy to them.
"After discussing with them, it was felt that since the family did not get any privacy at the time of the cremation and some extended family members could not reach the pyre site, it would be appropriate to give them some privacy for the 'Phool Chunana' and the immersion of the ashes which is an emotionally painful and difficult ceremony for close family members," Congress said in a statement. After the nation bade farewell to Manmohan Singh on Saturday, a political slugfest erupted between the BJP and Congress over the latter's demand that Singh be cremated at a site designated for his memorial. While Congress alleged "disrespect and a grave insult" to Singh by the BJP, the ruling party accused Congress of engaging in "cheap politics" over the former PM's funeral.
On Friday, the Centre announced that Singh’s last rites would be conducted at Nigambodh Ghat, despite Congress's request for a dedicated location for a future memorial. The Centre clarified in a statement that a trust would be established, and space would be allocated for a memorial, but the funeral would still take place at the crematorium. Since then, prominent leaders from both sides have exchanged barbs over the alleged "disrespect" to the late Manmohan Singh.
It is believed that the sites under consideration for Singh's memorial include the area near Kisan Ghat, the memorial of former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh, and Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, the designated spot for the last rites of presidents, vice presidents, and PMs. Both sites are close to the Yamuna River, and a decision is expected in the coming days. Don't miss the yearly horoscope 2025 and Chinese horoscope 2025 for Rat , Ox , Tiger , Rabbit , Dragon , Snake , Horse , Goat , Monkey , Rooster , Dog , and Pig zodiac signs.
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