Gaurav Gogoi slams PM Modi’s 'silence' on Zubeen Garg during Assam visit

Guwahati: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi on Sunday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what he described as a “deliberate and painful silence” on legendary Assamese singer the late Zubeen Garg during his recent two-day visit to Assam, raising political attention in the state.

Gogoi said that despite attending multiple official programmes and addressing public gatherings across Assam, the Prime Minister “did not utter a single word” about Zubeen Garg, whom he described as “the heartbeat and soul of Assamese culture.”

He also noted that the Prime Minister neither visited the late singer’s memorial nor met his family members during the visit.

Describing the omission as unfortunate, Gogoi said the neglect was not merely towards a departed artist but also affected the sentiments of the people of Assam. “Zubeen Garg occupies an irreplaceable space in the hearts of Assamese people. Ignoring his contribution is equivalent to ignoring Assam itself,” he said.

Gogoi questioned who advised the Prime Minister to avoid mentioning Zubeen Garg. He asked whether the Prime Minister’s speechwriters were responsible or whether Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had suggested avoiding reference to the singer.

He compared the Prime Minister’s approach with that of Congress leaders, noting that Rahul Gandhi, during his visit to Assam, had paid tribute at Zubeen Garg’s memorial, met his family members, and raised demands for justice.

Gogoi also noted that Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi had personally conveyed her condolences to Zubeen Garg’s wife, Garima Garg, through a letter.

Reiterating the party’s demand, Gogoi said the people of Assam seek justice for Zubeen Garg and want the highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, to be conferred upon him posthumously.

“Such indifference from the country’s highest executive authority is unacceptable under any circumstances,” he added.