Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has asserted that the Congress-led opposition's decision to 'politicise' the death of legendary singer Zubeen Garg backfired during the recent state assembly elections. Speaking to the media, Sarma said the opposition's attempt to turn a personal tragedy into a political issue did not resonate with the electorate, ultimately benefiting the ruling party.
Opposition's 'Guarantee' on Zubeen Garg's Justice
During the election campaign, the Congress and its allies had promised to deliver justice to Zubeen Garg within 100 days of forming a government. The singer, who passed away in 2024, was a cultural icon in Assam, and the opposition sought to capitalize on public sentiment by alleging that the state government under Sarma had failed to ensure justice in his death. However, Sarma argued that this strategy backfired, as voters saw through the political opportunism.
Voters Rejected Political Exploitation
According to Sarma, the people of Assam were not swayed by what he termed 'vote bank politics' surrounding Garg's death. He emphasized that the electorate prioritized development and governance over emotional manipulation. 'The Congress thought they could win votes by exploiting the death of a beloved figure, but the public showed maturity by rejecting such tactics,' Sarma stated. He added that the opposition's focus on Garg's case diverted attention from more pressing issues like infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
Background of Zubeen Garg's Death
Zubeen Garg, a revered singer and composer in Assamese cinema, died in 2024 under circumstances that sparked controversy. While the official cause was cited as a cardiac arrest, some opposition leaders alleged foul play and demanded a thorough investigation. The case has been a recurring theme in Assam's political discourse, with the Congress repeatedly accusing the state government of a cover-up. However, Sarma's latest remarks suggest that the issue has lost its political potency.
Election Results Validate Sarma's Stand
The recent assembly elections saw the Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance retain power in Assam, with Sarma returning as Chief Minister. The Congress, which had hoped to gain ground by raising the Zubeen Garg issue, suffered a significant defeat. Analysts note that while the singer's death remains a sensitive topic, voters were more concerned with economic recovery and job creation. Sarma's government has maintained that the investigation into Garg's death is ongoing and that justice will be served in due course, without any political interference.
In his concluding remarks, Sarma warned political parties against using personal tragedies for electoral gains. 'People are not fools. They can differentiate between genuine concern and political gimmickry,' he said. The Congress, meanwhile, has yet to respond to Sarma's latest comments.
