KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday criticized prominent figures from the sports and film scene, claiming that they have remained silent while paying respects to former prime minister Manmohan Singh.
Describing Singh as one of India’s “greatest statesmen”, whose visionary leadership reshaped the nation’s economy, he also claimed that the “complete silence” from the sports and film fraternities may be due to fear of a backlash from the government.
“It is both shocking and disheartening to see the complete silence of leading figures in the SPORTS and FILM industries, people who are often celebrated as ‘ROLE MODELS’.
“Their reluctance to even acknowledge Dr. Singh’s passing raises uncomfortable questions about their priorities, responsibility and integrity. It appears that this silence is driven by fear of a government backlash, as remaining silent on national issues has become the norm for many so-called ‘ICONS,” Banerjee wrote in a post on X.
Singh, 92, was cremated with full state honors in New Delhi on Saturday in the presence of senior dignitaries from home and abroad.
Asserting that such a pattern of indifference is not new, the TMC second-in-command said, “These same individuals remained mute during the FARMERS PROTESTS, the CAA-NRC movement and the current crisis in MANIPUR.”
Banerjee said their “silence” on such critical issues highlights a worrying detachment from the struggles of ordinary citizens.
“They have built their wealth and fame by taking advantage of public admiration, but they avoid taking even the slightest moral stance when the nation needs them most,” the Diamond Harbor MP said in the X post.
Calling on people to reconsider who can be considered role models, he said citizens should stop glorifying those who prioritize their careers and comfort over courage and responsibility.
“Instead, let us honor and support those who truly contribute to our nation and society – our freedom fighters, soldiers and individuals who sacrifice for the common good,” Banerjee said.
“The power of 140 crore Indian rupees is immense. It is time we demand integrity and accountability from those whom we elevate as icons. Let this New Year 2025 mark a shift in our collective consciousness, towards valuing those who uphold justice, democracy and the well-being of the nation,” he added.