Following the untimely demise of Assam’s iconic singer Zubeen Garg, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has come out strongly against what he termed a “malicious propaganda” by the Congress and Left ecosystem. According to Sarma, these political forces are attempting to project Zubeen a lifelong devotee of Bhagwan Shiva as an atheist and leftist to exploit sentiments ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Sarma accused opposition parties of engaging in “cheap politics” over the death of a man revered across Assam, stating, “Zubeen was a bigger Shiva devotee than us. The Left is trying to weaken Sanatan Dharma by misusing his name.” The Chief Minister said the political motive behind such propaganda is clear to create communal and ideological divisions among Zubeen’s massive fanbase, particularly in the Brahmin and Hindu communities of Assam.
Misusing a Film Dialogue to Fuel Political Agenda
The propaganda stems largely from a famous dialogue Zubeen delivered in his 2019 Assamese film Kanchanjangha:
“Mur Kunu Jati Nai, Mur Kunu Dharma Nai, Mur Kunu Bhagwan Nai, Moi Mukto, Moye Kanchanjangha”
(“I have no caste, I have no religion, I have no god, I am free, I am Kanchanjangha.”)
While the line was artistic, reflecting Zubeen’s disdain for social hierarchies and ritualistic divisions, opposition parties have allegedly twisted it to claim that the singer was an atheist. Himanta Biswa Sarma and many of Zubeen’s close associates, however, dismissed these interpretations as political opportunism.
According to Raju Baruah, a long-time associate of the late singer, “Zubeen’s concerts were never held in Miya-Muslim dominated areas. For 20 years, they invited Bangladeshi artists, not Zubeen. Now suddenly, after his death, they’re calling him one of their own to exploit sentiments before the election.”
Bangladeshi-Origin Groups and Political Opportunism
Reports suggest that Bangladeshi-origin Muslim groups are actively participating in this narrative, attempting to erase Zubeen’s Hindu identity to serve a larger political purpose. On October 21, large gatherings of Muslim men and women were seen at Zubeen’s cremation site, shouting anti-BJP. Many genuine fans expressed outrage, saying such protests dishonoured the memory of a man who united people through music, not politics.
The controversy intensified after the Baksa jail violence, where nine people were arrested eight of them Muslims. In a viral video, one arrested man admitted that he had never even heard of Zubeen Garg but was instructed to stone-pelt police and media personnel during the unrest. According to SP Baksa, the violence was allegedly coordinated through a WhatsApp account based in Bangalore, indicating external attempts to destabilize the situation for political mileage.
Zubeen Garg: A True Devotee of Lord Shiva
Contrary to the atheist label being circulated, multiple accounts and personal statements from Zubeen himself establish him as a deeply spiritual Shiva Bhakt. In an interview with author Anuradha Sharma Pujari, Zubeen said, “I am a devotee of Shiva and have written a poem on Mahakaal.” One of his verses read:
“Mur Tritiya Nayan Ketia Xar Pabo… Jogai Dim Biswak Moi Mahakaal, Moi Biswapaal.”
(“When will my third eye awaken… I will awaken the universe, I am Mahakaal, I am the protector of the world.”)
Zubeen even had a tattoo of Mahakal on his arm and personally established a Shiva Linga in his home. He performed Maha Shivratri rituals every year with complete devotion. Those close to him say that while he rejected casteism and superstitious practices much like many progressive Hindus he was never anti-religion.
Propaganda That Insults Assam’s Cultural Spirit
The attempt by opposition parties to politicize the death of Zubeen Garg has backfired among his true admirers. By twisting artistic expressions and spreading divisive narratives, the Left and Congress have drawn criticism for disrespecting the legacy of a man who symbolized Assam’s cultural pride and spiritual depth.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma summed it up aptly: “All last rites of Zubeen were performed with full Hindu rituals. Yet, a false propaganda is being spread to portray him as an atheist. This is being done to stop eviction drives and derail pro-indigenous actions by the government.”
Zubeen Garg was more than a singer he was an emotion, a voice that transcended faith and region. Reducing his life to political propaganda not only insults his memory but also undermines the very cultural harmony he represented.
