‘RIP singer’: Assam chief minister Himanta attacks Congress over mention of Zubin Garg in election manifesto

New Delhi: Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday accused Congress of “disgusting politics” by bringing the singer’s issue into the fold Zubin GargIts election manifesto referenced the party’s death, saying the party had “committed an unforgivable crime” by invoking the late singer’s name to vote.Sarma, speaking on the sidelines of the BJP’s manifesto launch event, said Zubin Garg was loved by the people of Assam and it was “unfortunate and sad” that his name was used in the campaign.“Congress has committed an unforgivable crime by including Zubin’s name and his death in its election manifesto. If Congress wants to pay true tribute to Zubin, they can hire a lawyer… They can bring Abhishek Manu Singhvi who can argue the case for free in a fast-track court,” he said.Prior to this, the Congress, in a manifesto issued by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, had promised justice to the singer within 100 days of coming to power.Sarma said the issue was already before the courts and claimed that Congress was unaware that the fast-track tribunal had been set up and daily hearings had begun.“No one has done this disgusting political activity, seeking votes in Zubin’s name… People will give the party severe punishment in the election,” he added.The chief minister said the government cannot decide the outcome of the case and can only facilitate the legal process by setting up courts and appointing prosecution lawyers.“I hope that justice will be done within three months, preferably within a month. I believe the way the proceedings are going, justice will not even take 100 days, and I hope we will get good news within a month,” he said.The Gauhati High Court appointed an exclusive fast-track tribunal on March 16 and the state government subsequently provided logistical support for its functioning.Zubeen Garg, 52, died while swimming in the Singapore sea while attending the fourth North East India Festival (NEIF) in Singapore on September 19 last year.After his death, the Assam government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Criminal Investigation Department of Assam Police to investigate the case. The SIT later submitted a chargesheet to the local court in Guwahati, naming seven accused, all of whom have been arrested and are currently in judicial custody.Sarma also attacked the Congress leadership, claiming that Haq had insulted Bhupan Hazarika and Zubin Garg, while also referring to remarks allegedly made by Haq’s son.“Haq’s son insulted the youth of Assam, saying the state had no talent for the semiconductor industry… Will people believe they can get justice for Zubin Garg? “Salma said.The chief minister also claimed that a video circulating on social media showed people from a consultancy firm hired by the Congress discussing how the issue of Zubin Garg’s death could be raised at different levels to secure votes.“If I become chief minister again, I will ensure that all members of this corporation are arrested for indulging in such dirty politics and conspiracy. I will not spare anyone who engages in political activities in Zubin’s name,” he said.Sarma said he did not want to politicize the singer’s name and would visit his memorial again only after he is sworn in as chief minister.“Zubin himself said ‘politics nokoriba, bondhu’ (don’t indulge in politics, friends) but Congress is doing it… to keep the singer calm,” he said.He also questioned why congressional leaders visited the singer’s memorial with cameras.