“Will keep Zubeen 1,000 km away from politics,” says Assam CM

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that voters will support the BJP in the 2026 assembly elections based on his government's handling of the Zubeen Garg case, whilst accusing opposition parties of exploiting the matter to launch a campaign against Hindus.

Speaking to reporters in Silchar on October 24, Sarma said people would vote for the BJP because his government ensured Garg's body was brought back from Singapore, provided him with an honourable funeral, and initiated an investigation that would lead to justice. "We will give the charge sheet and justice to Zubeen Garg," he said.

However, the chief minister was emphatic about keeping the case away from electoral politics. "I will keep Zubeen Garg 1,000 km away from politics. I am not seeking votes by the name of Zubeen Garg," he stated, adding that if voters did choose the BJP with Garg in mind, it would be because of the government's proper handling of the entire matter.

Sarma launched a sharp attack on opposition parties, alleging they were using the singer's name to target a specific community. "They are running a campaign in Assam against the Hindu community using Zubeen's name, led by the Congress and their allies," he claimed.

The chief minister particularly criticised Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi, accusing him of stoking communal tensions rather than genuinely opposing the BJP. "Akhil Gogoi is not opposing the BJP. He is igniting sentiments against the Hindu people," Sarma alleged.

Questioning the opposition's narrative, the chief minister asked why they were denying Garg's identity. "They claim Zubeen had no caste, but wasn't he Assamese? They say Zubeen had no religion. Why? Wasn't he Hindu?" he said.

Expresing confidence in the BJP's electoral prospects, Sarma dismissed any potential political damage from the controversy. "People like Akhil Gogoi cannot harm the BJP using Zubeen Garg's name. The BJP will surely win the election, but they are plotting against the Hindu community," he said.