Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday accused the Congress of doing “disgusting politics” by including the issue of singer Zubeen Garg’s death in its election manifesto, saying the party had “committed an unpardonable crime” by invoking the late singer’s name for votes.Speaking on the sidelines of the BJP manifesto release programme here, Sarma said Zubeen Garg was deeply loved by the people of Assam and it was “unfortunate and sad” to use his name in an election campaign.“The Congress has committed an unpardonable crime by including Zubeen’s name and his death in its election manifesto. If the Congress wants to pay real tribute to Zubeen, they can hire a lawyer… they can bring Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who can argue the case free of cost in the fast-track court,” he said.The remarks came after the Congress, in its manifesto released by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, promised justice for the singer within 100 days of coming to power.Sarma said the issue was already being heard in court and claimed the Congress was unaware that a fast-track court had been constituted and daily hearings had already begun.“Nobody has done this kind of disgusting politics of bringing in Zubeen’s name to seek votes… People will give the party stern punishment at the hustings,” he added.The chief minister said the government could not dictate the outcome of the case and could only facilitate the legal process by setting up the court and appointing prosecution lawyers.“I want justice delivered in under three months, preferably within a month. I believe the way the proceedings are taking place, it will not take even 100 days to deliver justice, and I hope we will get good news within a month,” he said.The Gauhati High Court had appointed an exclusive fast-track sessions court on March 16, and the state government later provided logistical support for its functioning.Zubeen Garg, 52, died while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19 last year, where he had gone to attend the fourth North East India Festival (NEIF).Following his death, the Assam government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the CID wing of Assam Police to probe the case. The SIT later filed a chargesheet before a local court in Guwahati, naming seven accused, all of whom have been arrested and are currently in judicial custody.Sarma also attacked the Congress leadership, alleging that Kharge had insulted both Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg, while also referring to remarks allegedly made by Kharge’s son.“Kharge’s son had insulted the youth of Assam, saying there was no talented person in the state to work in the semiconductor industry… Will people believe that they can give justice to Zubeen Garg?” Sarma said.The chief minister further alleged that a video circulating on social media showed people from a consultancy firm hired by the Congress discussing how the issue of Zubeen Garg’s death should be raised at different levels to secure votes.“If I become the chief minister again, I will ensure that all members of this firm are arrested for indulging in this kind of dirty politics and conspiracy. I will not spare anybody who does politics in Zubeen’s name,” he said.Sarma said he did not want to politicise the singer’s name and would visit his memorial again only after taking oath as chief minister.“Zubeen had himself said ‘politics nokoriba, bondhu’ (Don’t indulge in politics, friends), but Congress is doing just that… let the singer be at peace,” he said.He also questioned why Congress leaders visit the singer’s memorial with cameras.
