The Congress party has requested the central government to allocate a memorial site for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday. The proposed location is along the Yamuna river in Delhi, where many former prime ministers have their memorials.
Congress Leadership Advocates for Singh’s Memorial
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has reportedly communicated the party’s request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, senior leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and K.C. Venugopal have pursued the matter with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Despite these efforts, sources indicate that the government has not yet responded to the Congress’s request.
The move highlights the Congress’s recognition of Singh’s contributions to the nation and counters long-standing criticism that the party often prioritizes leaders from the Nehru-Gandhi family over others.
Context: Rashtriya Smriti Sthal Policy
In 2013, the UPA government led by Manmohan Singh decided against individual memorials for leaders due to space constraints in Delhi. The Cabinet resolved to establish a common memorial ground, the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, at Raj Ghat, for leaders who have served in high offices. This decision has set a precedent, making the Congress’s current request for Singh’s separate memorial particularly noteworthy.
Historical Sensitivities
The Congress’s request may also be an attempt to address its controversial history with former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. Despite Rao’s instrumental role in liberalizing India’s economy and his tenure as the first Congress PM outside the Nehru-Gandhi family to complete a full term, he faced marginalization by the party after leaving office.
When Rao passed away in 2004, his funeral procession was not allowed into the Congress headquarters at 24, Akbar Road, a decision that drew widespread criticism. It was only in 2015, under the BJP-led government, that Rao was honored with a memorial at Ekta Sthal Samadhi Complex.
Legacy of Manmohan Singh
Manmohan Singh, India’s 13th Prime Minister, is remembered for his tenure as both Prime Minister and Finance Minister. Singh is widely credited with leading India’s economic liberalization in the 1990s and fostering economic growth during his time as PM from 2004 to 2014. His contributions to India’s policy reforms and global stature are often celebrated as transformative.
What’s Next?
The Congress awaits the government’s decision on the matter. A positive response could lead to Singh joining the ranks of other leaders with memorials along the Yamuna, such as Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. For now, Singh’s funeral plans remain aligned with state protocols, pending any decision on the memorial request.
