In a move that has sparked discussions across the political spectrum, the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced plans to build a memorial for the late Pranab Mukherjee, the 13th President of India. The memorial, which will stand as a tribute to Mukherjee’s long-standing service to the nation, will be located near the iconic Rajghat in New Delhi.
Sharmistha Mukherjee, the daughter of the late president, expressed her heartfelt gratitude towards Prime Minister Modi for this gesture. In a moving post on social media, Sharmistha shared her emotions, acknowledging the government’s decision while reflecting on her father’s values. “My father always stated that instead of asking for public honors, one should bestow them. I am very grateful to the Prime Minister for this. It doesn’t matter where my father is now. He has transcended both criticism and praise. As a daughter, I cannot express this joy in words,” she wrote.
Pranab Mukherjee, a towering figure in Indian politics, passed away on August 31, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to public service. His contributions were deeply cherished across political lines, and his passing marked the end of an era. The planned memorial near Rajghat, a place of national significance, is seen as a fitting tribute to his legacy.
While Sharmistha’s words highlighted her personal gratitude, her past remarks on political events have also drawn attention. In a previous statement, she had expressed disappointment when the Congress party did not hold a condolence meeting following her father’s death. On social media, she had pointed out that the Congress Working Committee did not convene a meeting, despite the practice being followed after the demise of other prominent figures like RK Narayan.
Amidst these personal reflections, political observers have raised questions about the timing of the memorial announcement. Some suggest that the move could be viewed as a strategy to apply pressure on Congress, particularly as the party has been vocal in advocating for a memorial for another former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. The Centre has reportedly identified three possible locations for Dr. Singh’s memorial: Ekta Sthal, Vijay Ghat, and Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, but the final decision on the construction and trustees will rest with his family.
As these developments unfold, the debate around memorials, political legacies, and the role of state honours continues to generate significant attention, further shaping the narrative surrounding India’s political landscape.
