Guwahati: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday paid tribute to Assamese singer and composer Zubeen Garg at Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur, concluding a two-day visit to Assam marked by late-night organisational meetings and pointed political remarks.
Despite a packed schedule on the first day, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra remained at Rajiv Bhawan until the early hours on Friday, holding closed-door interactions with MLAs and party office-bearers individually until around 3 a.m. After a brief rest, she began the second day by visiting Zubeen Kshetra at 8:30 a.m., where she offered a floral tribute to the artiste, widely regarded as a cultural icon in the state.
Returning to Rajiv Bhawan later in the morning, she chaired an organisational review meeting with heads of various Pradesh Congress cells and departments. Party leaders said she heard feedback on strengthening the organisation and discussed future strategies ahead of the Assembly elections.
Addressing journalists after her visit to Zubeen Kshetra, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra recalled the outpouring of grief following Zubeen Garg’s passing. “Those of us who are not from Assam witnessed how deeply the people loved and respected him. Every family seemed to share that sense of loss,” she said.
Praising the artiste’s legacy, she described Zubeen Garg as someone whose music “embodied the soul of Assam”. “There was no hatred in his songs; he spoke of love, unity and peace. His work reflected Assam’s civilisation, culture and identity,” she said, adding that the memorial appeared to her “almost sacred”.
She emphasised that her visit was a personal tribute rather than a political gesture. “This is my first visit to Assam after his demise. I could not have returned without paying respects to someone who meant so much to the people here,” she said.
On the political front, Gandhi criticised what she termed “negative politics”, drawing a contrast between Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. “There are leaders who speak of development, change and protecting Assam’s rich heritage, and there are those who rely on division, constant criticism and personal attacks,” she said.
Referring to allegations raised by the Chief Minister against Gaurav Gogoi, she said political discourse should not extend to targeting families. “No one’s children or family should be subjected to attacks, particularly when allegations are unfounded,” she said.
She alleged that leaders advocating “truth and people’s issues” had faced increased scrutiny in recent years. “Those who stand for truth are often the ones most targeted,” she said, adding that the electorate would recognise the difference between “positive” and “divisive” politics.
Gandhi also called on the state government to focus on governance and employment. “Instead of unnecessary statements, the Chief Minister should tell the people what has been achieved in the last five years and what is planned for the next five,” she said. “Today’s youth want jobs and opportunities.”
Responding to a query on past Congress decisions regarding Himanta Biswa Sarma, she said political choices were contextual. “Politics involves many decisions. Some go in your favour, some against. One has to accept that,” she remarked.
On the Pradesh Congress’s recent charge sheet against the Chief Minister, she said the document compiled issues already in the public domain. “We have merely presented collectively what the people of Assam have observed,” she said.
Party leaders said she indicated that the Screening Committee’s remaining work would be completed soon and that she would return to the state for further consultations. She departed for Delhi later in the day.