Daijiworld Media Release - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS): The Centre's decision to build a memorial for former President Pranab Mukherjee while omitting a similar honor for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has sparked controversy, with NCP (Sharad Pawar) leader Majeed Memon accusing the government of playing partisan politics.
Speaking to IANS, Memon criticized the move as a calculated attempt to reward figures perceived as close to the Modi administration while sidelining the legacy of Manmohan Singh, a renowned economist and architect of India’s economic liberalization. “This decision is aimed at teasing the Opposition and undermining a leader who made significant contributions to the nation. The government must reconsider this and act in the broader national interest,” he said.
Memon further alleged that Pranab Mukherjee’s cordial relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his later years influenced the government’s decision. Meanwhile, he noted that the Congress party had demanded a memorial for Manmohan Singh immediately after his demise on December 26 but accused the Centre of intentionally delaying the decision.
On Tuesday, Pranab Mukherjee’s daughter, Sharmistha Mukherjee, expressed gratitude for the government’s gesture, sharing a letter from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs confirming the allocation of land near Rajghat for her father’s memorial. She also recalled her father’s philosophy: “State honors shouldn’t be asked for, they should be offered.”
The debate over memorials has reignited tensions between the Congress and the BJP. While the Congress criticized the government for not honoring Singh, the BJP countered by accusing the party of hypocrisy, arguing that it had failed to respect Singh during his lifetime and was now engaging in political posturing.
The controversy has brought to light deeper divisions, as opposition leaders argue for equitable recognition of leaders’ contributions irrespective of political affiliations. The Centre, however, remains firm on its decision to honor Mukherjee, citing his service to the nation.