By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Artist Marshall Baruah on Thursday recreated a portrait of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg at Ganeshguri Tiniali in Guwahati, days after the original mural painted by him on a flyover pillar was erased, triggering widespread public debate.
The portrait, accompanied by the message “Comrades Never Die”, had been removed recently, drawing criticism from fans and members of the cultural fraternity who viewed it as a tribute to the singer’s legacy.
Baruah had earlier announced that he would repaint the mural at the same location at 4 pm and called upon supporters to join a peaceful gathering. He also alleged that Guwahati Police had advised him against repainting the artwork.
Large numbers of people gathered at Ganeshguri to witness the recreation of the mural, with chants of “Joi Zubeen Da” and the late singer’s popular song Mayabini reverberating through the area.
Speaking to reporters at the site, Baruah said he did not understand how a portrait of Zubeen Garg could cause any harm. He alleged that he was under pressure from the police and the administration and claimed that he had been informed that he would be allowed to resume the painting only after July 3.
In a social media post before the event, Baruah expressed disappointment over the removal of the earlier artwork, saying it reflected the emotions and identity of the people of Assam. He had also appealed to youths, civil society groups and the media to join the peaceful democratic gathering.
Zubeen Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, had earlier voiced her disappointment over the removal of the portrait, questioning whether the singer’s image had become undesirable in the city.
The controversy has unfolded amid an ongoing beautification drive in Guwahati ahead of the proposed visit of the Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with civic authorities undertaking road repairs, drainage works and repainting of public infrastructure across the city.
Fans who gathered at Ganeshguri praised Marshall Baruah’s efforts, saying the recreated portrait was a tribute to Zubeen Garg’s enduring legacy and reflects the singer’s special place in the hearts of people of Assam.