Assam Congress President and Lok Sabha MP from Jorhat, Gaurav Gogoi, on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what he called an insensitive approach during the Prime Minister’s two-day visit to Assam. Gogoi said the Prime Minister addressed public meetings several times while in the state, but focused mainly on attacking the Congress party and presenting a distorted picture of India’s history.
Speaking to reporters, Gogoi said it was unfortunate that the Prime Minister did not pay any tribute to late singer Zubeen Garg. Zubeen Garg, a beloved cultural icon of Assam, passed away recently, and thousands of people in the state continue to mourn his death. Gogoi said the Prime Minister neither met the singer’s family nor expressed any condolences to his fans across the state. According to him, the pain and grief of the Assamese people appeared invisible to the Prime Minister.
Gogoi alleged that Prime Minister Modi was too occupied with cameras, lights and planned ceremonies, turning the public into mere cheerleaders instead of real human beings with emotions. He added that this feeling was not limited to Assam or the rest of the Northeast. Referring to the Prime Minister’s previous visit to Manipur, Gogoi said that young people in Manipur also felt ignored and reduced to props in what he described as a political drama. 
In contrast, Gogoi praised Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. He pointed out that Gandhi visited Assam and offered tribute to Zubeen Garg at Zubeen Khetra, met the grieving family and demanded justice for the late singer. Gogoi also reminded that Rahul Gandhi visited Manipur twice and met survivors of violence in the state.
Gogoi said that Rahul Gandhi understands the Northeast and respects its people, culture and traditions. He said the region is not a slogan for political speeches and should not be treated like a laboratory or experiment. Gogoi stated that the people of the Northeast have contributed to the country with their hard work and sacrifices.
Gogoi said that the Northeast deserves respect and will extend support only to leaders who show empathy and acknowledge the sentiments of the people.
Later, Gogoi posted two contrasting photographs on social media—one showing Prime Minister Modi inside a car during the Assam visit, and the other showing Rahul Gandhi with Zubeen Garg’s father. The post remarked that the difference between the tours of the two leaders could be summed up through the photographs.
