It has become unholy practice of political parties to desire for memorials at public-land and/or government-buildings. Union Cabinet once took a very wise decision for not converting any government-bungalow into memorial. Likewise, there should be a decision where public-land may not be allowed to be misused for creating memorials. It was a totally wrong decision to allow cremation of Bal Thackeray at a public-ground (Shivaji Park) rather than normal cremation-ground. Such a practice can result in unbearable problems when leaders of different political parties may start demanding such a gimmick privilege.
There should be strict central rule to be applicable in states also whereby public-land and/or government bungalows may not be allowed to be misused for memorials. Neither cremation of anyone should be allowed at a place other than normal cremation-grounds. Otherwise there will be a flood of such memorials in name of mentors of deciding political rulers. Union government should also allot government-bungalow number 6 Krishna Menon Marg (New Delhi) to some entitled one instead of being unauthorizedly encroached in name of Jagjiwanram Smriti Sthal. Trespassers and encroachers of the said bungalow should be arrested and punished for their unlawful act.
Madhu Agrawal
Delhi