Why do you believe the Government acted in such a manner?

It’s hard to understand why the Government would behave this way. Dr. Singh was not just a former Prime Minister, he was a respected leader who contributed immensely to the nation. His legacy goes beyond politics. To treat him with such disregard at his funeral is a clear attempt to undermine his stature. We are not making a political issue of this, but the Government’s actions have forced us to speak out. The lack of coordination, the poor arrangements, and the failure to respect the family’s wishes reflect a deep lack of decency and respect.

How do you feel about the way the media covered the funeral?

The media coverage was another disappointing aspect. Only Doordarshan was allowed to broadcast the event, and the focus was largely on the Prime Minister and other ministers rather than honoring the life and contributions of Dr. Singh. It seemed more like an attempt to focus attention on the political class rather than paying tribute to a leader who dedicated his life to the nation. This is another example of how the Government mismanaged the funeral, making it more about them than about Dr. Singh.

What do you expect from the Government now?

We have no further expectations from this Government, as they have shown repeatedly that they lack the basic respect for individuals who don’t fall in line with their political agenda. Dr. Singh’s contributions should have been acknowledged with the dignity he deserved, but unfortunately, this was not the case. We hope the Government will at least now respect the wishes of his family and give them the space to mourn without further interference. What happened during the funeral is a reflection of the Government’s approach to handling those who disagree with them. It is deeply disappointing and disrespectful.

Has the Congress or Dr. Singh’s family received any further communication from the Government about the memorial?

No. As of now, there has been no further communication regarding the memorial or the final arrangements. The Government’s actions have been reactive rather than proactive, and we are still waiting for them to live up to their promises. We have repeatedly conveyed our concerns, but there has been no satisfactory response. It’s as if they are more interested in controlling the narrative rather than truly honoring Dr. Singh’s memory. We hope that this changes in the coming days, though we are not holding our breath given the way things have unfolded so far.

What message do you want to send regarding Dr. Singh’s legacy?

Dr. Singh’s legacy should be celebrated for what he did for the country. He transformed the Indian economy, expanded its global presence, and led with integrity. The Government should focus on his achievements rather than dragging his name through the mud for political reasons. The people of India, including those from all political affiliations, will always remember him for the good he did for the nation. It is time the Government did the same and treated him with the respect that his contributions merit.