The death of popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg has become a major political issue ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, with the Congress vowing justice while Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma cautioned against politicising the matter.
Unveiling the party’s election manifesto, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge assured that if voted to power, the party would deliver justice in the case within 100 days. The promise has been positioned as a key emotional and political appeal, particularly among the late singer’s widespread fan base across the state.
Zubeen Garg, a towering cultural figure in Assam, passed away in September last year in Singapore during an overseas visit. His death triggered an outpouring of grief, with the state observing mourning and tributes pouring in from across political and social spectrums.
However, the circumstances surrounding his death have remained a subject of debate. While a Singapore court termed the incident an accidental drowning with no foul play, legal proceedings continue in Assam, where a case is under trial with several accused individuals.
Reacting to Congress’ promise, Chief Minister Sarma said the issue should not be politicised, asserting that due legal process is already underway. He added that findings from Singapore authorities would aid the ongoing investigation and judicial proceedings in the state.
The Congress, meanwhile, has raised questions over the handling of the case and reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability. Party leaders have also referred to previous remarks by the Chief Minister linking justice in the case to electoral outcomes, further intensifying the political narrative.
With strong emotional resonance among the public, the “Zubeen factor” is now seen as an influential element in the electoral landscape, potentially impacting voter sentiment in several constituencies across Assam.
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