The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s rally in Nalbari today, claiming to seek justice for late Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg, has drawn sharp criticism from Sivasagar MLA and Raijor Dal President Akhil Gogoi. The rally, held under slogans like “Moi O Zubeen Anuragi” and “Amio O Zubeen Anuragi” (“I am a fan of Zubeen too”), reportedly attracted 3,000–4,000 participants, though BJP sources claimed over a lakh.
Speaking to the media, Gogoi described the rally as a politically motivated exercise rather than a genuine call for justice. “Assam’s beloved Zubeen da was never involved in politics. He gave his heart to music, to his fans. The BJP is using his death for political gain. They already run the government, yet they are taking to the streets, claiming to give justice. This is not justice, it is an insult to Zubeen da,” he said.
Gogoi also highlighted alleged lapses surrounding Zubeen Garg’s death. He criticized the government for failing to accord state guest status and security during Zubeen’s performance at the Northeast India Festival in Singapore, overseen by Union Minister Pabitra Margherita. “He should be held accountable. How can someone now claim to demand justice after being part of this negligence?” Gogoi said. 
Further, he questioned the handling of Zubeen’s return and last rites, including broken promises of a chartered flight, lack of national honours during cremation, and unfulfilled plans for a memorial on the Brahmaputra banks. Gogoi also criticized delays in investigations, secrecy around the probe, and the Special Investigation Team’s late visit to Singapore. “People cannot sleep or eat without justice. The BJP is using his death for elections, but they will never deliver real justice,” he said.
The rally featured BJP State President Dilip Saikia, Union Minister Pabitra Margherita, and State Ministers Jayanta Mallabaruah and Chandra Mohan Patowary. Margherita defended the government’s role, insisting the case should not be politicized and calling for expedited legal proceedings through a first-track trial.
