Amid the Congress’s demand for a designated site to set up a memorial for late former prime minister Manmohan Singh, the Narendra Modi government on Tuesday decided to build a memorial for former president Pranab Mukherjee at the 'Rashtriya Smriti' area complex.
Mukherjee, a Congress veteran, was the president of India from 2012 to 2017. He died in 2020.
Taking to X, Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of Mukherjee, shared a letter from the government in this regard and said she had met Prime Minister Modi and thanked him for the decision.
"The Competent Authority has approved the earmarking of a designated site within the 'Rashtriya Smriti' complex (a part of the Rajghat precinct) for erecting a Samadhi of Late Shri Pranab Mukherjee, former President of India," the letter said.
Called on Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji to express thanks & gratitude from core of my heart 4 his govts’ decision 2 create a memorial 4 baba. It’s more cherished considering that we didn’t ask for it. Immensely touched by this unexpected but truly gracious gesture by PM🙏 1/2 pic.twitter.com/IRHON7r5Tk
— Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) January 7, 2025
Sharmistha, a former Congress leader, said she was truly touched by this unexpected but gracious gesture by the prime minister.
"Called on Hon'ble PM @narendramodi ji to express thanks & gratitude from core of my heart 4 his govts' decision 2 create a memorial 4 baba. It's more cherished considering that we didn't ask for it. Immensely touched by this unexpected but truly gracious gesture by PM," she said.
"Baba used to say that State honours shouldn't be asked for, it should be offered. I'm so grateful that PM Modi did this to honour babas' memory. It doesnt affect baba where he is now- beyond applaud or criticism. But for his daughter, words are not sufficient to express my joy (sic)," she added.
The government’s decision came days after a row erupted over the funeral of Manmohan Singh after the Congress party accused the Centre of insulting India’s first Sikh prime minister, by conducting his funeral at Nigambodh Ghat instead of a designated memorial site.
The BJP hit back, saying the government had already informed both Dr Singh's family and the Congress that a memorial will be built so that everyone can remember his positive contribution.
The saffron party said time is needed for land acquisition, forming a trust and other formalities.
