Three Indian Prime Ministers Not Cremated in Delhi, Including a Congress Leader, Know Why?
The controversy over the cremation and memorial of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has rekindled the debates on traditions followed in case of the deceased Indian Prime Ministers. Congress has blamed the central government for failing to do the necessary with respect to Singh's final rituals, but this is not the first time that cremation of a former prime minister has become controversial.
Here's a glance at three Prime Ministers whose cremations did not happen in Delhi, going against the tradition:
1. PV Narasimha Rao: Cremated in Hyderabad
Tenure: 1991–1996
PV Narasimha Rao, who led India through economic reforms, died in December 2004. His family wanted a cremation in Delhi, but Congress leaders, it is said, opposed it.
Former PM Manmohan Singh supported Rao's cremation in Delhi but he buckled under internal party pressure. Eventually, Rao was cremated in his home state of Hyderabad after being intervened by the Congress leader YS Rajasekhara Reddy.
Contrary to his promises, Rao's memorial in Delhi never came to be. On the other hand, Rao's legacy remains celebrated because he is remembered as an architect of India's economic liberalization.
2. VP Singh: Cremated in Prayagraj
Term: 1989–1990
Former Prime Minister Vice President Singh was a strong advocate for the weaker sections. He died in 2008 in New Delhi. There were, of course, discussions about his cremation in New Delhi, but his family wished to perform the last rites in Prayagraj.
He was cremated on the banks of the Sangam in Prayagraj with full state honours. His memorial has never been constructed in New Delhi, despite promises that were made during his cremation.
3. Morarji Desai: Burnt on Sabarmati Sand
Term: 1977–1979
Morarji Desai, India's first non-Congress prime minister passed away in 1995. His cremation took place on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Gujarat as the family desired.
His ashes were taken to Delhi to perform rites and plans were begun about constructing a memorial in the capital but could not come to fruition.
Prime Ministers Cremated in Delhi
The Delhi capital has been a ground for state funerals for a number of the nation's top leaders, such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Their legacy is commemorated through separate memorials in the area of Rajghat and its surroundings.
Memorial Politics
The cremation and subsequent memorialization of prime ministers have often been issues of political controversy. The choices made about location and state honors have often reflected the political identity and priorities of the ruling establishment at the time.
