Do not malign Zubeen's image as a drunkard, he was a big devotee of Lord Shiva: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly spoken about the late singer Zubeen Garg, urging that the artist should remain a beloved figure of the people rather than being politicized or associated with government agendas.

Addressing the media on October 23, the Chief Minister highlighted that Zubeen Garg did not consume alcohol, and even if he occasionally did, it was only in times of sorrow. “I have met Zubeen personally; he was not someone who drank alcohol,” Sarma stated, emphasizing that the singer’s reputation should not be maligned in the name of justice.

“Some people are attempting to destroy Zubeen’s identity and soul under the pretext of seeking justice,” the Chief Minister said. “We will remember Zubeen Garg through his songs. We will not honour his memory by associating him with alcohol.”

Sarma also remarked that the current events surrounding Zubeen’s legacy are against his core values and ideals. He noted that certain groups are allegedly using the singer’s name to weaken Sanatan Dharma, which runs counter to Zubeen’s own beliefs.

“Zubeen Garg had a tattoo of Lord Shiva on his body. He was a devoted follower of Shiva,” the Chief Minister asserted, countering claims by some left-wing voices that Zubeen was an atheist.

Concluding his remarks, Sarma said, “I have no caste or religion; my only guiding principle is the dialogue from the movie Kanchanjungha.”

CM Sarma further stated that there is a section of people who are trying to misrepresent Zubeen's legacy, while downplaying Sanatan Dharma. He also stated that Zubeen's funeral rites were conducted as per Sanatan Dharma traditions. So how can he be called someone who did not have any religion or caste?