gogoi-accuses-sarma-of-communal-politics-over-zubeen-garg-case

Congress leader and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of making “insensitive remarks” over the death of singer-actor Zubeen Garg, asserting that the people of the state would deliver their verdict in the 2026 Assembly elections.

 

Speaking at a Seva Dal programme in Bongaigaon, Gogoi said there was growing anger among the people over the “unnatural” death of the popular artiste, whose passing has triggered a wave of grief and political sparring in Assam.

 

“The people will give their answer in the 2026 Assembly elections. The BJP, sensing defeat, has already resorted to electoral malpractice,” Gogoi said, demanding that the investigation into Garg’s death be carried out in a fair and transparent manner “so that all facts and evidence can be properly placed before the court.”

 

The Congress MP also sought to reaffirm unity within the party, saying, “The Assam Pradesh Congress and Pradesh Mahila Congress stand firmly together. We in the Congress respect every mother of Assam.”

 

Gogoi’s comments came two days after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a personal attack on the Congress leader, questioning his credibility on issues of Assamese identity and nationalism.

Also read: Bandmate claims Zubeen Garg poisoned in Singapore

 

Speaking to the media on October 7, Sarma had said, “What justice will Gaurav Gogoi give to Zubeen? Zubeen is an Assamese and an Indian.” The Chief Minister’s remarks came in reference to the ongoing investigation into Garg’s death and the public outcry surrounding it.

 

Sarma further alleged that Gogoi’s family background disqualified him from commenting on Assamese sentiment, saying, “He has made his son a foreigner, and now he’s waving the Indian flag. Then, change your citizenship.”

 

The war of words between the two leaders underscores how Garg’s death has swiftly transformed into a political flashpoint in Assam, with the opposition accusing the government of insensitivity and the ruling BJP turning the debate into one over identity and nationalism.

 

Gogoi’s sharp criticism comes at a politically charged moment, with both parties attempting to consolidate their respective bases ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.