Congress Member of Parliament Gaurav Gogoi launched a sharp critique against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, accusing him of maintaining a deliberate silence on the demise of beloved Assamese singer Zubeen Garg during his recent two-day tour of the state.
Political Criticism Over Cultural Omission
Prime Minister Modi was in Assam from Saturday, attending various events and addressing the public. However, Gaurav Gogoi, who leads the Congress party's state unit, expressed deep disappointment that the Prime Minister's speeches contained no mention of Zubeen Garg. The iconic singer, a native of Assam, passed away on September 19 in Singapore while swimming in the sea, where he had gone to participate in the North East India Festival.
In a Facebook post, Gogoi stated, "The PM has attended several programmes and addressed the people of Assam for the past two days. But unfortunately, he did not utter a single word about Assam's heartthrob, late Zubeen Garg." He emphasised the singer's profound connection with the people, arguing that ignoring him was an insult not only to the artist but to the entire Assamese community.
Contrast with Rahul Gandhi and a Demand for Bharat Ratna
Gogoi, son of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, further criticised the PM for not meeting Garg's grieving family. He contrasted this with the actions of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress colleague Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi paid his respects at Zubeen Garg's cremation ground and visited the bereaved family on October 17, also raising calls for justice for the singer-composer.
Taking a direct jab at Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, a former Congress leader himself, Gogoi posed pointed questions: "We want to know who advised the prime minister not to mention Garg's name. Who prepared his speeches? Or did the Assam chief minister advise the PM not to take Zubeen Garg's name?" Gogoi also escalated the demand for national recognition, calling for Zubeen Garg to be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour. He noted that only two individuals from Assam have received this award so far.
Legal Proceedings in the Singer's Death Case
Meanwhile, the legal investigation into Zubeen Garg's death has progressed. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Assam Police has filed charges against multiple individuals. Four people have been charged with murder: festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, the singer's secretary Siddhartha Sharma, and his two band members, Shekharjyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta.
A fifth accused, suspended police officer Sandipan Garg, who is Zubeen's cousin, faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Additionally, the singer's two personal security officers, Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya, have been charged with criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust for allegedly misappropriating funds or property entrusted to them.
This incident has stirred significant political and cultural discourse in Assam, a state that is scheduled to hold its next assembly elections in April-May 2026.
