Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reacted sharply on Congress after the opposition leaders targeted the state government for disrespecting former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as he was being taken along his final journey.
CM Sarma went on the attack against the Congress party, saying, "Manmohan Singh deserved much better both in life and death."
Taking to X, the CM wrote, "Dr. Manmohan Singh, a statesman of unparalleled dignity and intellect, deserved much better, both in life and in death. It is deeply disheartening to witness the Congress Party attempting to stir controversy around his final journey, diminishing the solemnity it truly deserved."
CM Sarma further alleged that Congress had disrespected former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao and former President Pranab Mukherjee.
"This is not the first time they have shown such disregard - be it towards the legacy of Narasimha Rao or Pranab Mukherjee, the Congress has, unfortunately, treated its own with indifference," he said.
The Chief Minister also added in his X post, "The people of India have bid Dr. Singh a respectful and heartfelt farewell, recognizing his invaluable contributions to the nation. Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji has already announced a fitting memorial to honor his legacy, reflecting the nation's gratitude. Yet, the actions of some, who seek to turn this moment of mourning into an opportunity for political gain, are deeply painful."
As per CM Sarma, the public still remembers the indignities that Manmohan Singh had to suffer during his time and Rahul Gandhi's infamous gestures as a Congress leader, which undermined his stature.
"Such acts are still vivid in the minds of the nation. At the very least, in his death, Dr. Singh's legacy should not be dragged in the mire of political opportunism. Let us pay homage to his memory with the dignity and respect he so richly deserves, free from any discord or manipulation by the leadership of the Congress party," he said.
The CM's reaction came against the backdrop of Assam Congress leader Debabrata Saikia's claim that the state government has violated its decision to observe the seven-day state mourning due to the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The CM also mentioned that all official entertainment programmes have been cancelled for the next seven days.
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