Manmohan Singh’s cremation at Nigambodh Ghat: ‘Shocking…deeply disheartening,’ say Punjab leaders

Late on Friday night, the government said it had agreed to a Congress request to allocate space for a memorial to the former Prime Minister who died on Thursday.

“It is inexplicable why the govt is showing such disrespect to the great leader who was the only member of the Sikh community to rise to become the Prime Minister. Currently, the cremation is slated to be performed at the common cremation ground at Nigambodh Ghat. I cannot believe that the BJP government’s bias would go to such extremes in utter disregard of the towering global stature that Dr Manmohan Singh Ji enjoyed and will always enjoy,” Badal said in his post on Friday night.

“Dr Manmohan Singh took the country to great international heights. Our political differences with the Congress apart, we have always held Dr Manmohan Singh in the highest esteem as he transcends politics and political affiliations. He belongs to the entire nation. Dr Sahib showed great sensitivity and compassion in his dealings with Shiromani Akali Dal over Sikh and Punjab issues. I urge PM Narendra Modi Ji to intervene personally to change this deplorable decision of the govt,” the post further stated.

Nigambodh Ghat is the oldest and largest crematorium ground in Delhi and NCR.

Punjab Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa also urged PM Modi to honour Singh, “one of the most towering Sikhs of modern times”, with a memorial befitting his “immense contributions” to the country. “Rising from humble beginnings in a historic state, representing a community that has always stood steadfast for India’s unity and progress, Dr. Singh’s life is a testament to intellect, integrity, and selfless service,” Bajwa said.

“Punjabis across faiths and political lines unite in their heartfelt plea to recognize this son of Punjab, who played an instrumental role in shaping India’s destiny, with the respect he deserves. His cremation should take place at a location designated for the construction of his memorial ensuring his legacy is honoured for generations to come,” Bajwa added.

Raj Ghat has memorials for all previous Prime Ministers of India. It was the UPA government headed by Singh that had blocked demands for separate memorials. In 2013, the UPA Cabinet decided to set up a common memorial ground – the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal at Raj Ghat – given the paucity of space.

Daljeet Singh Cheema, SAD’s working committee member and former education minister of Punjab also took to X to say that the Centre’s decision “to deny the request of former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh ji’s family for a dignified cremation site, where his memorial could be built, is deeply disheartening”.

“A dignified venue, befitting his stature, should have been automatically designated, without his family needing to make a formal request. Dr. Singh’s immense contributions brought unparalleled progress and global recognition to the nation. As the first and only Sikh to hold the office of Prime Minister, his legacy carries immense significance, and every effort should be made to ensure that minorities feel valued and respected,” Cheema said.

“I urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji to reconsider this decision and issue directives to allocate Raj Ghat or an equally dignified site for Dr Sahib’s cremation, in keeping with tradition and his remarkable service to the country,” he added.

Cheema also informed that on Saturday, he, SAD working president Balwinder Singh Bhundar and former cabinet minister Hira Singh Gabria would attend Singh’s cremation on behalf of the SAD.