Tue Jan 07 13:55:00 UTC 2025: ## Government to Build Memorial for Former President Pranab Mukherjee Amidst Manmohan Singh Memorial Row

**New Delhi, January 7, 2025** – Amidst ongoing controversy surrounding the location of a memorial for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Union government announced plans to construct a memorial for former President Pranab Mukherjee.

Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of the late President, announced the news on X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the unexpected gesture. She stated that the family had not requested the memorial, making the government’s decision even more meaningful. The memorial will be located within the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, the designated memorial complex in Rajghat for former Presidents, Vice-Presidents, and Prime Ministers.

This announcement comes after a significant political clash regarding the location of Dr. Singh’s memorial. Following Dr. Singh’s death, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge requested that the government designate a site suitable for both the cremation and a future memorial. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the government for its perceived lack of urgency and consideration in finding a suitable location, accusing the government of deliberately insulting the first Sikh Prime Minister. The BJP responded by highlighting the Congress party’s failure to erect a memorial for former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao during their time in power.

Earlier, Ms. Mukherjee had also criticized the Congress party for its perceived lack of tribute to her father following his death in 2020. She stated that the party did not even convene a Congress Working Committee meeting to offer condolences, contradicting what she learned from her father’s diaries.

The Home Ministry has confirmed that the government is actively working to identify a suitable site for Dr. Singh’s memorial, with the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal being a potential location. The government is reportedly in contact with Dr. Singh’s family regarding the matter.

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