Centre Plans Memorial for Pranab Mukherjee Amid Manmohan Singh Row

Photo : ANI

As a political debate continues over selecting a memorial site for former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Union government has decided to construct a memorial for ex-President Pranab Mukherjee. The decision has been warmly received by Mr. Mukherjee's family.

On Tuesday, Pranab Mukherjee’s daughter, Sharmistha Mukherjee, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally thank him for this gesture. She later shared her gratitude on X (formerly Twitter), expressing how deeply touched the family is by the government’s decision.

Ms. Mukherjee revealed that the memorial would be built at the 'Rastriya Smriti Sthal' in Rajghat, which is designated for memorials of Presidents, Vice-Presidents, and Prime Ministers.

“Called on Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji to express thanks & gratitude from core of my heart 4 his govt’s decision 2 create a memorial 4 baba. It’s more cherished considering that we didn’t ask for it. Immensely touched by this unexpected but truly gracious gesture by PM,” she wrote.

She further added, “Baba used to say that State honours shouldn’t be asked for, they should be offered. I’m so grateful that PM Modi did this to honour Baba’s memory. It doesn’t affect Baba where he is now—beyond applause or criticism. But for his daughter, words are not sufficient to express my joy.”

Political Tensions Over Memorial for Dr. Manmohan Singh
This announcement comes amid a growing row over the memorial for former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26, 2024. After his funeral was conducted at Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi, Congress leaders raised concerns over the absence of a suitable memorial site.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to PM Modi, requesting that Dr. Singh’s last rites be held at a location where a memorial could later be built. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the government, accusing it of disrespecting India’s first Sikh Prime Minister.

“This is nothing but a deliberate insult to the first Sikh Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh,” Mr. Ramesh remarked.

In response, the BJP hit back, calling the Congress's criticism hypocritical. BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan pointed out that the Congress never built a memorial for former PM Narasimha Rao during their 10-year rule from 2004 to 2014. He credited PM Modi for honoring Mr. Rao with a memorial in 2015 and posthumously awarding him the Bharat Ratna in 2024.

Sharmistha Mukherjee’s Remarks on Congress
Amid this debate, Ms. Mukherjee also shared her disappointment with the Congress over its handling of her father’s death in 2020. She stated that the Congress did not convene a meeting of its highest decision-making body, the Congress Working Committee (CWC), to offer condolences.

She wrote, “When Baba passed away, Congress didn’t even bother 2 call CWC 4 condolence meeting. A senior leader told me it’s not done 4 Presidents. That’s utter rubbish as I learned later from Baba’s diaries that on KR Narayanan’s death, CWC was called & condolence msg was drafted by Baba only.”

Home Ministry’s Assurance
As the row over Dr. Singh’s memorial continues, the Home Ministry has assured that a suitable site is being identified. Sources confirmed that discussions with Dr. Singh’s family are underway, and the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal is one of the options being considered.

While the debate over these memorials highlights political differences, the decision to honor both Pranab Mukherjee and Manmohan Singh reflects their lasting contributions to India’s history and governance.

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