"Have you seen Zubeen’s photo in Miya Mosque?”: Himanta questions 'fake' sympathy for artist posthumously

Addressing a gathering in Nalbari, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a sharp attack on what he described as “Miya politics,” alleging that certain groups were using the name of late singer Zubeen Garg to shield encroachers from eviction.

From Nalbari, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "The main tension of people of Assam is Miya. The one who supports Miya, the people of Assam, do not advocate for them. Some are doing politics in the name of Zubeen so that the Miya people are not evicted from the encroached land. There is no love towards Zubeen. When Zubeen was alive, to spoke about me. It's we who gave respect to Zubeen. The sympathy towards Zubeen after his death is only to save the Miya from eviction. The genuine supporters of Zubeen are the Assamese people..have you seen Miya putting up a photo of Zubeen at their "jalsa"? Have you seen any photo of Zubeen in their religious gathering.. Zubeen's photo is placed in the temple. Have you seen any of Zubeen's photos in Miya Mosque? Now on December 21, there will be a massive "Istama" in Gauripur. I want to see if they will put Zubeen's photo or not."

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His remarks come amid the ongoing political debate around encroachment drives and the legacy of Zubeen Garg, who remains one of Assam’s most revered cultural icons. The Chief Minister reiterated that genuine admirers of the late singer were the Assamese people, while alleging that sections now expressing sympathy had ulterior motives tied to land encroachment issues.

Dr. Sarma also pointed to the upcoming “Istama” in Gauripur on December 21, challenging organisers to display Zubeen Garg’s photograph if their expressions of affection were genuine.