In the serene town of Jorhat in Assam, a sense of sorrow lingers in the air following the tragic death of beloved singer Zubeen Garg. His untimely demise on September 19, which occurred in Singapore due to drowning, has left many Assamese in deep mourning. The emotional fallout has been profound, especially for local residents like Popi Gogoi, a 38-year-old homemaker, who expressed her pain over losing a cultural icon. “Whenever I see his photo on my phone, it breaks my heart,” she lamented.
Zubeen Garg was not just a singer; he was a symbol of Assamese pride and identity. His passing has not only prompted an outpouring of grief but has also sparked significant unrest among the youth in the state. Many young people have taken to the streets in protest, expressing their anger towards the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government, which has been accused of failing to protect Garg and allegedly shielding those responsible for the circumstances surrounding his death.
In Upper Assam, signs advocating for “Justice for Zubeen da” have become commonplace. Posters adorn colleges, cars, and buses, showcasing a community united in their demand for accountability. The Congress party has seized upon this sentiment, attempting to leverage the public’s grief and frustration as a political weapon against the ruling BJP. They have accused Sarma’s government of orchestrating a cover-up regarding the circumstances of Garg’s death, suggesting that there is more than meets the eye.
Despite the palpable resentment and sorrow, political analysts have noted that this wave of unhappiness surrounding Zubeen’s death may not significantly threaten the BJP’s political grip on Assam. Many voters seem to exhibit a complex mix of emotions—while they mourn the loss of Zubeen, they also continue to support the ruling party for its governance. The BJP’s previous successes and developmental initiatives have created a solid base of support that is not easily swayed by the current unrest.
As Assamese citizens grapple with their feelings of loss, the political landscape remains unchanged, at least for now. Voters like Gogoi continue to express their heartbreak over Zubeen’s death, but the ruling party’s grip does not appear to be slipping. The state is witnessing a unique blend of cultural mourning and political stability, with the legacy of Zubeen Garg casting a long shadow over the upcoming electoral narrative.
