NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday reiterated its claims that the Congress party politicized the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, with a saffron party spokesperson giving a point-by-point rebuttal to the accusations.
After bidding farewell to Manmohan Singh across the country, a political conflict erupted between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress party as the Congress demanded that Singh be cremated at a site that could serve as a memorial to him. While the Congress claimed that the BJP had “disrespected and seriously insulted” Singh, the ruling party accused the Congress of playing “cheap politics” at the former prime minister’s funeral.
Building on BJP president Nadda’s attack on the Congress, Amit Malviya on Sunday said, “It is a shame that the Congress continues to politicize the death of the former prime minister.” A BJP spokesperson said in a post The detailed post responded to the allegations made by the Congress spokesperson.
Congress alleged that media coverage of the funeral mainly revolved around Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah and there was no coverage except for Durdarshan (DD), Malviya claimed, “MoD in coverage of state functions Nothing works.
Responding to the allegation that not enough chairs were provided for Singh’s family, Malviya said everything was done as per state regulations.
“The seating arrangement at the funeral venue was made by CPWD in consultation with Delhi Police. The number of seats in the front row was maximized as per the space available. The five seats in the front row were allotted to the family and occupied by Mrs. Manmohan ·Singer and her three daughters.
“The remaining 20 seats are reserved for constitutional authorities who will lay wreaths. These include the President of India, King of Bhutan, Vice President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Opposition Leaders and Service Chiefs,” he added. Others are assigned front row seats, with additional seats arranged in subsequent rows.
Responding to Congress’ allegations that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other ministers did not stand up when the flag was handed over to the late prime minister’s widow, Malviya said: “The state funeral was conducted as per protocol with full military honours. There was no deviation in the entire process.”
Regarding Hera’s claim that Singh’s family did not have enough space around the cremation pyre as soldiers occupied one side, Malviya said: “The burial place was designated by the home ministry. The ceremonial staff were the only officials near the pyre.” Ample space is provided for family members and pastors.
Responding to allegations that members of the public were barred from the venue, he said, “Security agencies have restricted public access for the sake of overall security. The venue is full.”
The Congress also claimed that Amit Shah’s motorcade disrupted the funeral procession, forcing the family car to be left outside and the family to be relocated.
Malvia denied this, saying: “The funeral procession was managed by the traffic police. Details of the family car were collected in advance and parking passes were issued to them by the security department. Nothing disrupted the procession.”
A BJP spokesperson further accused the Congress of “taking advantage of Dr Manmohan Singh’s death” and urged the party not to politicize the incident.
The controversy erupted when the Center announced that Singh’s last rites would be performed at Nigambodh Ghat despite Congress’ demand for a dedicated location for future memorials. The center clarified in a statement that a trust will be established and space allocated for a memorial, but funerals will still take place at the crematorium. Since then, bigwigs from both sides have accused each other of “disrespecting” the late Manmohan Singh.
