A controversy has erupted over the location for performing the last rites of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh following the Centre’s announcement that his State funeral will be performed at Nigambodh Ghat crematorium, at 11.45 am on Saturday morning. The Congress has asked the ruling party to allot a place befitting the stature of the two-time Prime Minister.

The Congress party has approached the Centre seeking a memorial for Dr Singh, the party’s stalwart leader. According to sources, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has conveyed the party’s desire to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to an order issued on Friday, by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the funeral will take place at Nigambodh ghat, located on the banks of the Yamuna river, and arrangements will be made by the Defence Ministry for a State funeral with full military honours.

Meanwhile, traffic is expected to be affected in Central Delhi till around 2 pm, as security arrangements will be in place. Several dignitaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be there to pay their tributes. According to a senior police official, arrangements have been made accordingly with all protocols in place, since it is one of the busiest crematoriums in the city. The complex also has a CNG crematorium.

Commuters to and from Central Delhi will have to plan their journey on the weekend accordingly as security protocols and VVIP routes are in place for the last rites of the senior Congress leader.

According to the Delhi Traffic Police, restrictions and diversion near the Ring road and Lutyens Delhi will be in place from 9 am in the morning till 2 pm in the afternoon. Further, with the movement of VVIPs including Prime Minister Modi, routes will be blocked in Central Delhi for 10 to 15 minutes, said sources.

Multi-layered security arrangements include deployment of the Special Protection Group (SPG) and local police to ensure the law and order situation remains under control. It is not yet confirmed if the mortal remains will be available for public viewing. The Delhi Traffic Police has also made adequate arrangements to ensure that the general public does not face any inconvenience due to the route. It advised the public to plan their journey in advance and follow the directions of the Traffic Police.