Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday alleged that the Congress-led opposition faced public rejection in the recently concluded state assembly elections for “politicising” the death of legendary singer Zubeen Garg.
Sarma's Tribute and Allegations
After paying tribute to the singer at the cremation ground, Zubeen Kshetra, in Sonapur on the outskirts of Guwahati, Sarma said, “Politicising the unfortunate death of beloved Zubeen during elections has backfired on the Congress-led opposition. Some of them stopped invoking his name as soon as the polls were over, and those who came to his shrine had no knowledge of Zubeen when he was alive.”
He further claimed that the Congress party’s attempt to politicise Zubeen’s death inadvertently benefited the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “BJP got 20% votes only because of Congress dragging Zubeen into politics,” he added.
Visit to Zubeen Kshetra
On his visit to the site, Sarma remarked, “As promised, after the dust of the elections settled, I visited the site today purely as a tribute to someone who, for us, is evergreen. He was never a matter of politics, but an emotion that lives in every heart.” He also stated that Zubeen was, is, and will always remain his favourite singer.
Background of the Controversy
The Congress and its allies had criticised the state government during the election campaign over the alleged delay in setting up a fast-track court in the Zubeen Garg death case. Delivering justice to Zubeen Garg within 100 days of forming the government was one of the “guarantees” made by the Congress party.
Development Works at Zubeen Kshetra
During his visit, Sarma also reviewed the ongoing development works at Zubeen Kshetra. He said the initial phase of construction had begun, and steps were being taken to safeguard the site from possible landslides. “Once the construction of the boundary wall is completed, the main development work of the Kshetra is expected to progress in a structured manner,” he added. The Zubeen Kshetra will be developed on a 10-bigha plot of land.
Sarma’s remarks come amid a charged political atmosphere, with both parties trading accusations over the handling of the singer’s death and the subsequent memorial.
