India Bids Goodbye to Manmohan Singh as PM Modi Attends Funeral at Nigambodh Ghat

New Delhi: The last rites of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh commenced at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi today at 11:45 a.m. The somber event marks the end of the journey of one of India’s most distinguished leaders, who passed away at the age of 92 at AIIMS Delhi on Thursday due to age-related health issues.

Dr. Singh's final journey began at 9:30 a.m. from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters. His funeral procession followed a route passing through Janpath, the India Gate roundabout, Tilak Marg, ITO, Ring Road, and finally Nigambodh Ghat. Among those in attendance were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, BJP chief JP Nadda, and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Soldiers carried Dr. Singh's body to the cremation ground, where the final rites were performed with full state honors.

Dr. Singh, renowned for his economic reforms and steady leadership, served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. He previously held the role of Finance Minister under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, where he was instrumental in ushering in economic liberalization in 1991. His passing has left the nation mourning a leader known for his humility, intellect, and service.

Amid the solemnity of the last rites, a political dispute has emerged regarding the construction of a memorial for Dr. Singh. The Congress party has requested a memorial at the Nigambodh Ghat cremation site, in line with the tradition of honoring former Prime Ministers with such monuments. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge reportedly spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday to discuss the possibility.

“This is in keeping with the tradition of having memorials for leaders and former Prime Ministers at the site of their funerals,” Kharge stated.

In response, the Centre issued a press release confirming that Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured that a suitable site for a memorial would be allocated. However, the BJP criticized the Congress for allegedly politicizing the issue. “Congress should avoid playing dirty politics in Dr. Singh’s name,” a BJP spokesperson remarked.

The Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory urging commuters to avoid several major routes due to funeral-related restrictions. Traffic diversions were in place from 7 a.m. and were expected to last until 3 p.m. Key affected roads included Raja Ram Kohli Marg, Rajghat Red Light, Signature Bridge, Yudhister Setu, and sections of the Ring Road (Mahatma Gandhi Marg). Commuters traveling to Old Delhi Railway Station, ISBT, Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, and Tis Hazari Court were advised to plan ahead to accommodate potential delays.

As India bids farewell to Dr. Manmohan Singh, tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Modi’s presence at the funeral underscored the respect held for his predecessor’s contributions to the nation. The ceremony at Nigambodh Ghat reflects not only the end of an era but also the enduring legacy of a leader who left an indelible mark on India’s history.

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