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Guwahati, Oct 17 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday acknowledged Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s visit to late singer Zubeen Garg’s residence in Guwahati and termed it a welcome gesture, drawing a sharp comparison with the Congress party’s absence during the funeral of another Assamese stalwart, Dr Bhupen Hazarika.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who met Zubeen Garg’s family earlier in the day and called for a transparent and timely investigation into the singer’s mysterious death in Singapore, described the late artiste as “honest, transparent, steadfast and beautiful – like Mount Kanchenjunga”.
His comments came as part of his emotional tribute to Garg, who died almost a month ago under circumstances that have raised questions in both India and Singapore.
Responding to the visit of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Sarma said that though the arrival of the Congress leader was late, it was commendable.
Referring to his time in the Congress party, Sarma said, “When the mortal remains of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika were at Judge Field for public tributes and cremation, not a single senior Congress leader came during those three days.”
“Then we felt very sad. People kept asking us questions.”
However, the Chief Minister avoided turning the moment into a political confrontation.
Sarma said, “Better late than never. Since he has come to pay tribute to our beloved artist, I welcome his visit to Assam. I do not want to make any political comment on this.”
Sarma also acknowledged diplomatic tensions with Singapore amid the ongoing investigation into Garg’s death and hinted at efforts being made behind the scenes to resolve the issue.
“There are some tensions, but we are handling the matter sensitively. Our focus is on bringing justice and clarity to Zubeen Garg’s family and the people of Assam,” he said.
LOP Rahul Gandhi’s visit, coming 28 days after Garg’s death, has attracted widespread attention across Assam, with both the state government and the opposition party stressing the need for truth and transparency in the investigation.
–IANS
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