Perhaps according to sources, the public will be given an opportunity to pay their final respects between 8 to 10 am on saturday at the congress headquarters. Key party leaders, including rahul gandhi and sonia gandhi, will offer their tributes to the former prime minister during this time. After this, the funeral procession will begin its final journey, with Dr Singh’s body being taken to the designated site for cremation. Traditionally, the funerals of former Prime Ministers are held at designated places in Delhi. According to sources, the last rites of many former Prime Ministers including Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira gandhi, and Rajiv gandhi were all performed at the Rajghat, the national memorial dedicated to mahatma Gandhi.
Meanwhile Manmohan’s funeral is likely to follow this precedent. However, the exact location of the cremation will depend on a consensus between the family and the government, and an official announcement is expected later on Friday. The congress party has reportedly requested that Dr Singh’s memorial be located in a manner similar to that of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose final resting place, ‘Atal Samadhi’, is also situated in Delhi. Additionally, a 21-gun salute will be given as a mark of respect. National mourning has been declared, during which the national flag will fly at half-mast across the country. No public ceremonies or official functions will take place during this mourning period. The public will also have the opportunity for a final viewing during the state protocol, allowing the nation to bid farewell to their former leader.
Moreover Dr Singh had been ailing for some time, and as of now, his body is being kept at his residence. His family is overseeing the final arrangements, while the government remains closely involved in the process, ensuring that the appropriate protocols are followed for a former Prime Minister.
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