Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has launched a sharp critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of overlooking the late Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg during his recent two-day visit to Assam. Speaking at a gathering in Majuli on Sunday, Gogoi said that despite attending multiple programmes and political events across the state, the Prime Minister did not mention Garg even once, leaving the Assamese public disappointed. Zubeen Garg’s death had sparked widespread public outrage and demands for justice, making the silence from the highest office in the country particularly painful for his fans and the wider community.
Emotional Significance of Zubeen Garg
Addressing the gathering, Gogoi highlighted the deep emotional connection between Zubeen Garg and the people of Assam. “Lakhs of Assamese people came out demanding justice for Zubeen da. You were in Assam for two days, yet you did not find time to visit Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur. You could visit party headquarters, but you could not spare a moment for a place that holds deep emotional value for the people of Assam,” he said. Gogoi criticised the Prime Minister for not acknowledging Garg in any of his speeches, adding, “You criticised the Congress, and we endured that. But not a single word on justice for Zubeen da? This silence is painful.”
Questions Raised About Chief Minister’s Role
The Congress leader also questioned the role of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who accompanied the Prime Minister during the visit. “Why didn’t the Chief Minister remind the Prime Minister to speak about Zubeen da? Who advised that his name should not be mentioned? Who drafted the speech?” Gogoi asked. Contrasting Modi’s visit with that of Congress leaders, he noted that Rahul Gandhi had personally visited Zubeen Khetra, met Garg’s family, and demanded justice, while Sonia Gandhi had written a condolence letter to the family, including his wife Garima Saikia Garg.
Ignoring Zubeen Garg as a Disrespect to Assam
Calling Zubeen Garg “the voice of Assam,” Gogoi emphasised that ignoring him was not just a personal slight but an insult to the collective sentiments of the Assamese people. “The place Zubeen da holds in our hearts is unmatched. Such neglect amounts to disrespecting the entire Assamese community,” he said. Reiterating the public demand, Gogoi stressed that people of Assam continue to seek justice for Garg and have called for him to be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna. “In that context, this kind of apathy from the Prime Minister is completely unacceptable,” he added, underscoring the frustration and disappointment of Zubeen Garg’s fans across the state.
