“Government Follows the People”: Himanta Biswa Sarma
Himanta Biswa Sarma Says BJP Will Observe Zubeen Garg’s Birth and Death Anniversaries
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will henceforth observe the birth and death anniversaries of late singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg.
Sarma made the announcement during the three-day ‘Zubeen Divas’ programme being held at Zubeen Khetra in Sonapur from September 17 to 19. Thousands of admirers have gathered at the venue to pay tribute to the late artiste on his first death anniversary.
“The government follows the people, and when the people move in a particular direction, the government also moves in that direction,” Sarma said, referring to the growing public observance of Zubeen Garg’s memory.
The Chief Minister said the people of Assam would remain grateful for Garg’s contribution to Assamese society and culture. He said Garg should be remembered as a great personality who loved Assam and the Assamese people, while discussions should focus on his positive contributions, songs and music.
On the demand for justice in connection with Garg’s death, Sarma said he should not comment on a case that is currently before the court. He said any statement from him as Chief Minister could potentially affect the judicial proceedings and provide an opportunity for the accused. He therefore maintained that remaining silent on the matter would be appropriate.
Sarma also spoke about preserving Zubeen Garg’s memory, noting that people already observe days commemorating prominent personalities such as Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha and artists. He said the government would follow the direction in which people choose to remember and honour Garg.
Meanwhile, Sarma said the Assam and West Bengal governments would work together to preserve and develop the historic Madhupur Satra in Cooch Behar, which is associated with the legacy of Srimanta Sankardev. He said Assam would seek land from the West Bengal government for the project. If additional land is made available, a larger development project would be undertaken; otherwise, the site would be developed within the existing land available.
On September 19, the BJP also organised blood donation camps across Assam to mark Zubeen Garg’s first death anniversary. Sarma donated blood at the BJP state headquarters in Basistha, Guwahati, along with ministers, elected representatives and party workers.
Zubeen Garg died on September 19, 2025. His first death anniversary has been marked across Assam with tribute programmes, cultural events and social initiatives, while demands for justice in connection with his death continue to be raised publicly.
