Amid Row Over Manmohan Singh's Cremation, Modi Govt Okays Memorial For Pranab Mukherjee

Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of Pranab Mukherjee, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and thanked him for honouring her father.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has decided to set up a memorial for former president Pranab Mukherjee at the 'Rashtriya Smriti' area complex. Mukherjee died on August 31, 2020. On Tuesday, Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of the former president, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and thanked him for honouring her father.

"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 government said in a letter to Sharmistha Mukherjee informing her of the decision.

After receiving the letter, Mukherjee sought an appointment with the prime minister to thank him for the honour. Speaking to news agency PTI, Mukherjee said that she was happy that the government had recognized the contribution of her late father and former president towards the nation.

"Called on Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi ji to express thanks and gratitude from core of my heart for his government's decision to create a memorial for baba. It's more cherished considering that we didn't ask for it.

"Immensely touched by this unexpected but truly gracious gesture by PM," Sharmistha Mukherjee said in a post on X while sharing her pictures of the meeting with the prime minister.

"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 doesn't affect baba where he is now -- beyond applaud or criticism. But for his daughter, words are not sufficient to express my joy," she also said, while sharing the letter sent by the government.

Pranab Mukherjee's memorial comes in the wake of demands by the Congress for having a memorial for former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who died at AIIMS at the age of 92 on December 26. Sources told PTI that the government has already agreed to set up a memorial for Singh, and a site is being finalized at the same Rashtriya Smriti area in consultation with his family.