The Congress has formally requested the Centre to allocate a memorial site for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh near the Yamuna River in Delhi, a location that houses memorials of several former prime ministers. This comes after Singh’s passing on Thursday, which has prompted an outpouring of tributes for his immense contributions to the nation.

Party’s Tribute to Singh

The Congress Working Committee (CWC), during a meeting on Friday, hailed Singh as a monumental figure in Indian politics whose contributions not only transformed the nation but earned him global respect. The CWC underscored his vision for economic reform, social justice, and inclusive growth, emphasizing that Singh’s policies laid the groundwork for India’s economic rise on the world stage.

The CWC, led by Mallikarjun Kharge, also expressed that Singh’s leadership would continue to inspire future generations. His work as Finance Minister in the 1990s, particularly his role in steering India out of the balance-of-payments crisis, and as Prime Minister, where he implemented far-reaching reforms, was particularly acknowledged.

Appeal to Prime Minister Modi

Kharge has already communicated the Congress party’s request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and top party leaders such as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and K.C. Venugopal have reached out to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Congress hopes the government will grant permission for the memorial, which will serve as a tribute to Singh’s lasting legacy.

Reflecting on Congress’s Past with Memorials

The Congress’s plea for a separate memorial for Singh is notable, as the party has often faced criticism for neglecting its prominent leaders outside the Nehru-Gandhi family. This is particularly highlighted in the case of P.V. Narasimha Rao, whose monumental role in liberalizing the Indian economy was not recognized until a decade after his death when the NDA government erected a memorial for him in 2015.

Singh’s case represents a shift, as the Congress is eager to commemorate his legacy with due recognition.

Sonia Gandhi’s Emotional Tribute

Sonia Gandhi, in her tribute, emphasized that Singh’s death marked the loss of a wise, humble, and visionary leader who worked tirelessly for the country’s growth. She remembered Singh as a guiding light for the Congress, a statesman admired for his integrity, intellect, and vision. Gandhi also noted Singh’s deep commitment to social justice, secularism, and democratic values, qualities that defined his leadership.

“His legacy will forever inspire us. He was not just a leader, but a man of deep principles who brought dignity and respect to every role he held,” Sonia Gandhi said.

The Legacy of Singh’s Leadership

The CWC highlighted Singh’s key contributions, particularly his role in India’s economic liberalization and global integration during the 1990s. His tenure as Prime Minister saw key reforms such as the Right to Education Act, the MGNREGA, and the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal. The CWC also praised his leadership during the 2008 financial crisis, which saw India shielded from the worst of the global recession due to his well-timed economic policies.

Singh’s leadership was described as one of calm, wisdom, and resilience, as he navigated complex political landscapes both domestically and internationally.

Final Arrangements and Memorial

Manmohan Singh’s body will be cremated on Saturday, with a procession set to begin from the Congress headquarters. The public will be allowed to pay their respects at the AICC office, and the funeral procession will proceed to Nigambodh Ghat for the final rites with full state honors.

As the government declared seven days of mourning for Singh, the Congress’s request for a memorial along the Yamuna is seen as a way to honor his significant contributions to the nation’s growth and development.