The family is now urging both the federal and state governments to ensure his body is repatriated to India so that they can perform his final rites.

"I used to say to her, when I die I want you to perform my final rites," he said in an interview with BBC.

The first cabinet resignation is a moment for any government and a rite of passage for any prime minister.

“Back in the hardcore days, it was a rite of passage that the new guy would be on bass,” Malkmus points out.

They are also trying to build consensus around subjects such as the last rites of repatriated remains.