Raijor Dal President Akhil Gogoi has launched a strong attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, questioning his government’s role in cultural affairs and its response to the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg.
Gogoi said that the government has failed to act responsibly in matters concerning Assam’s people, artists, and cultural identity. Referring to the sudden death of Zubeen Garg, he said that the incident has exposed serious gaps in governance and accountability.
“I want to stress that justice has not been delivered in the death of Zubeen Garg. The government must ensure fairness and transparency. If the Chief Minister and the Home Minister cannot protect the rights and safety of the people, they should take responsibility and resign,” Gogoi said. 
Gogoi also raised questions about the North East Festival, which is organized by cultural promoter Shyamkanu Mahanta. He said that the festival is being presented by the Ministry of External Affairs, whose Minister of State is Pabitra Margherita, along with the Indian High Commission in Singapore, and that both the Assam government and the Mizoram government are official sponsors. Gogoi added that the advertisements for the festival featuring Zubeen Garg clearly display the logos of the Assam government, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ashoka Chakra.
“Look at the photos. Who are the sponsors of the North East Festival? The entire program is being presented by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian High Commission in Singapore. The Assam and Mizoram governments are sponsoring it,” Gogoi said.
He also expressed concern that Assam’s rich cultural identity, which was once strengthened by figures like Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, Bishnu Prasad Rabha and Bhupen Hazarika, is now under threat. “Our cultural heritage is being undermined. The death of Zubeen Garg has revealed how deep the problems of negligence and lack of accountability run,” Gogoi added.
The Raijor Dal leader said that it is the government’s duty to protect artists, safeguard cultural values, and maintain public trust. “Our people deserve justice, transparency, and respect for Assam’s cultural legacy. The state must act decisively to protect its artists and its heritage,” he said.
