Assam Chief Minister Condemns Congress for 'Disgusting Politics' Over Zubeen Garg's Death
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a scathing attack on the Congress party on Tuesday, accusing it of engaging in "disgusting politics" by including the issue of singer Zubeen Garg's death in its election manifesto. Sarma asserted that the Congress had "committed an unpardonable crime" by invoking the late singer's name to seek votes, calling the move "unfortunate and sad."
Congress Manifesto Promises Justice for Zubeen Garg
The controversy erupted after the Congress, in its manifesto released by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, pledged to deliver justice for Zubeen Garg within 100 days of coming to power. Speaking on the sidelines of the BJP's manifesto release program in New Delhi, Sarma expressed outrage at this political maneuver. He emphasized that Zubeen Garg was deeply loved by the people of Assam, and using his name in an election campaign was a disrespectful act.
"The Congress has committed an unpardonable crime by including Zubeen's name and his death in its election manifesto," Sarma declared. "If the Congress wants to pay real tribute to Zubeen, they can hire a lawyer... they can bring Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who can argue the case free of cost in the fast-track court."
Fast-Track Court Already in Place, Says Sarma
Sarma pointed out that the issue of Zubeen Garg's death is already being heard in court, claiming the Congress was unaware that a fast-track court had been constituted and daily hearings had already begun. The Gauhati High Court appointed an exclusive fast-track sessions court on March 16, with the state government providing logistical support for its functioning.
"Nobody has done this kind of disgusting politics of bringing in Zubeen's name to seek votes... People will give the party stern punishment at the hustings," he added, warning of electoral repercussions for the Congress.
Government's Role Limited to Facilitating Legal Process
The chief minister clarified that the government cannot dictate the outcome of the case and can only facilitate the legal process by setting up the court and appointing prosecution lawyers. "I want justice delivered in under three months, preferably within a month. I believe the way the proceedings are taking place, it will not take even 100 days to deliver justice, and I hope we will get good news within a month," Sarma stated, expressing confidence in the ongoing judicial proceedings.
Background on Zubeen Garg's Death and Investigation
Zubeen Garg, 52, died while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19 last year, where he had gone to attend the fourth North East India Festival (NEIF). Following his death, the Assam government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the CID wing of Assam Police to probe the case. The SIT later filed a chargesheet before a local court in Guwahati, naming seven accused, all of whom have been arrested and are currently in judicial custody.
Sarma Alleges Congress Insults and Conspiracy
Sarma also attacked the Congress leadership, alleging that Mallikarjun Kharge had insulted both Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg. He referenced remarks allegedly made by Kharge's son, who purportedly said there was no talented person in Assam to work in the semiconductor industry. "Will people believe that they can give justice to Zubeen Garg?" Sarma questioned, casting doubt on the Congress's sincerity.
Furthermore, Sarma alleged that a video circulating on social media shows people from a consultancy firm hired by the Congress discussing how to raise the issue of Zubeen Garg's death at different levels to secure votes. "If I become the chief minister again, I will ensure that all members of this firm are arrested for indulging in this kind of dirty politics and conspiracy. I will not spare anybody who does politics in Zubeen's name," he vowed.
Call to Respect Zubeen Garg's Legacy
Sarma emphasized that he does not want to politicize the singer's name and would visit his memorial again only after taking oath as chief minister. He recalled Zubeen Garg's own words, "'politics nokoriba, bondhu' (Don't indulge in politics, friends)," and lamented that the Congress is doing just that. "Let the singer be at peace," he urged, also questioning why Congress leaders visit the singer's memorial with cameras, suggesting it is for political showmanship rather than genuine tribute.
