Guwahati, May 26: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on May 26 accused sections of the opposition of attempting to politically use singer Zubeen Garg during the election period, while reviving the debate surrounding the “Mayabini” and “Dayabini” controversy in the Assam Legislative Assembly.
Speaking during the Assembly session, Sarma claimed that a controversy had been intentionally created around the two terms during the elections and said the issue represented a wider debate concerning Assamese identity and culture.
“During the election, we witnessed the beginning of yet another controversy — the controversy of Dayabini and Mayabini,” the chief minister said.
Describing Zubeen Garg as a significant figure in Assamese society, Sarma said the singer had played an important role in shaping generations through his music and public influence. He stated that Zubeen’s song “Mayabini” had left a deep impact on Assamese society and had inspired young people over the years through his artistic contributions.
Sarma further said he had personally stood by the singer when criticism against him emerged during and after the elections. According to the chief minister, Zubeen Garg occupies a special place in Assam and should not face criticism during his lifetime.
Targeting unnamed political opponents, Sarma alleged that groups which had criticised the singer in the past later attempted to use his legacy for political purposes. He claimed that individuals who had previously targeted Zubeen later visited his memorial and attempted to turn it into a political issue during the electoral battle.
The chief minister also alleged that some of these groups had historically supported singers from Bangladesh and had only recently projected themselves as supporters of Zubeen Garg.
“The same people who, throughout their lives, supported singers brought from Bangladesh suddenly became overnight supporters of Zubeen Garg,” Sarma said. Referring again to the controversy, he added that “from their mouths came not Mayabini, but Dayabini.”
Sarma also mentioned political activity surrounding Zubeen Garg’s memorial in Barpeta district during the election period and questioned what he described as a sudden interest shown by certain groups.
He further stated that there had always been a distinction between what he described as original Assamese culture and Bangladeshi influence, adding that this had remained a point of criticism in political discourse.
