Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his comments regarding American singer Post Malone’s concert in Guwahati. Gogoi said he was surprised that the Chief Minister publicly claimed that he did not know who Post Malone is, while at the same time sharing promotional posts related to the event on his official social media accounts.
Gogoi said that if the show was organised by a private party and private organisers, then the Chief Minister should clarify why he was seen promoting it. He said that most people in Assam are asking questions about who organised the event and how much money was involved. He also said that people have the right to know if there are any companies connected in any way to the Chief Minister’s family in the background of this programme.
The AJP leader further alleged that there are doubts among the public about whether the event was used to support certain private groups or individuals. He also claimed that some people fear that such programmes may be used for wrong financial activities. Gogoi questioned whether Assam’s own cultural space is being sidelined while these large international concerts are being brought by outside event groups. 
Gogoi also alleged that Tarsem Mittal may have been used once again to bring Post Malone to Assam, just like earlier events. He mentioned that the same person was linked to bringing famous composer A.R. Rahman to Assa and also had links with other well-known names. Gogoi alleged that there is a pattern of repeated use of certain event organisers which, according to him, looks like a “cultural syndicate”.
He also pointed out that many local artists in Assam have not got enough work for months, while expensive events are being hosted with international performers. Gogoi said that it has been almost three months since many Assamese artists did not perform payimg tribute to late singer Zubeen Garg. He said that the Chief Minister is aware of the situation but still appears more interested in outside performers and high-budget concerts.
The AJP president said that when such questions are raised, the Chief Minister becomes angry instead of responding. Gogoi said he was asking these questions not on behalf of any political party, but on behalf of the people of Assam who want transparency.
He further alleged that well-known Assamese artists have been used in the past to provide a platform to certain business interests and that this situation raises more questions about who actually benefits from such shows. Gogoi demanded a clear explanation from the government about the organisers, the financial arrangements and whether any private companies linked to the ruling leadership played a role.
Lurinjyoti Gogoi said that the matter needs clarity because cultural activities of local artists in Assam are getting affected. He said that all decisions related to cultural events in the state must be open and accountable and not limited to certain individuals or companies.
