“Everyone is targeting only Hindu festivals”: Himanta Biswa Sarma hits out at selective criticism

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed strong displeasure over what he described as the selective criticism of Hindu festivals. 

Speaking to reporters, Sarma said, “Everyone is just targeting Hindu festivals. Just see — these kinds of people never speak about or criticise festivals of other religions.”

The Chief Minister emphasised that the Hindu community in Assam has shown immense respect and inclusivity, citing the example of how late singer Zubeen Garg was honoured during major celebrations. 
“Our people have not done anything wrong. We have shown respect to Zubeen. During Durga Puja, every pandal had his photo, and even during Kali Puja, tributes were paid to him. We are the ones showing respect to Zubeen, yet we are the ones being suppressed,” Sarma said.

His remarks come amid ongoing debates and social media discussions surrounding the treatment of Hindu festivals and the late cultural icon Zubeen Garg’s legacy in Assam’s public sphere.

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 politicised 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, emphasising 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.