GUWAHATI, Assam: In a striking declaration, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the people of Assam should vote the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) out of power in the 2026 Assembly elections if his government fails to deliver justice in the tragic and mysterious death of beloved singer-composer Zubeen Garg. Garg passed away in Singapore on September 19, sparking widespread grief and demands for answers.
With the state elections for the 126-member Assam Assembly scheduled for May 2026, Sarma’s statement, delivered during a recent social media broadcast, underscores the immense public sentiment surrounding Garg’s demise. He directly challenged voters, saying, “Why would you vote for us in 2026 if we cannot ensure justice for Zubeen?” This echoed a previous stance he took six years prior, where he highlighted that certain individuals were allegedly misleading Garg, whom he reveres as a “national treasure” on par with legendary cultural figures like Jyotiprasad Agarwala, Bishnu Prasad Rabha, and Bhupen Hazarika.
The Chief Minister also made an earnest appeal to Garg’s many passionate fans, urging them to refrain from street protests and “not turn Assam into Nepal” with their anger. He emphasized the importance of patience, assuring everyone that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is diligently and rapidly pursuing the facts of the case.
Further demonstrating the government’s commitment, a Look Out Notice has been issued via Interpol for Siddharth Sharma, Garg’s manager, and Shyamkanu Mahanta, the event organizer who accompanied the late singer to Singapore. Sarma confirmed that these individuals are now prevented from leaving India through any official port of exit. Additionally, eight non-resident Indians residing in Singapore, who are believed to have connections to Garg’s death, have been summoned to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) office in Guwahati for questioning. The State government had previously taken action by banning Mr. Mahanta and all associated organizations from hosting any cultural or public events within Assam.