Assam – Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday launched a sharp critique of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of making insensitive remarks regarding the ongoing investigation into the death of singer-actor Zubeen Garg. Gogoi warned that the people of Assam would express their discontent through the ballot in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Addressing a Seva Dal event in Bongaigaon, Gogoi said, “The people are deeply hurt by Zubeen Garg’s untimely death and the government’s handling of the case. The BJP, sensing public anger, has already begun resorting to electoral manipulation. But the people will respond in the next election.”
He called for a fair and transparent investigation into Garg’s death, emphasizing the importance of presenting all facts and evidence before the court. Gogoi also reaffirmed the unity within the Congress party, stating that both the Assam Pradesh Congress and the Pradesh Mahila Congress are united in their stand. “We in the Congress honour every mother of Assam,” he added.
The remarks come amid escalating political tensions following comments made by Chief Minister Sarma on October 7. In a media interaction, Sarma questioned Gogoi’s credibility on matters of Assamese identity, citing the foreign citizenship status of Gogoi’s children. “What justice can Gaurav Gogoi deliver to Zubeen? Zubeen was an Assamese and an Indian,” Sarma said, referring to the public discourse surrounding the singer’s death.
Sarma further alleged that Gogoi had made both his children foreign nationals, casting doubt on his commitment to Assamese and Indian values. “He made his son a foreigner and now he’s waving the Indian flag. If that’s the case, change your citizenship,” Sarma remarked.
The exchange between the two leaders has added a political dimension to the investigation into Zubeen Garg’s death, which has already stirred widespread emotion across Assam. Garg, a beloved cultural icon, died under tragic circumstances in Singapore on September 19, prompting calls for a thorough and impartial probe.
