On December 20 and 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Assam to inaugurate significant developmental projects, including a new airport terminal in Guwahati and a fertilizer plant in Namrup. However, his visit sparked criticism from Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Leader of the Indian National Congress (INC) in the Lok Sabha and Assam Congress chief.
In a post on X, Gogoi questioned why PM Modi did not pay tribute to Zubeen Garg, a beloved cultural icon of Assam. He noted that the Prime Minister had ample opportunity to address the people of Assam but chose instead to focus on criticizing the Congress party and delivering a skewed version of Indian history. Gogoi expressed disappointment over the Prime Minister’s failure to acknowledge Garg’s contributions, stating, “It is deeply unfortunate that the PM did not pay tributes to Garg.”
Gogoi further criticized Modi for not reaching out to Garg’s family or offering condolences to his fans in Assam. He drew stark contrasts between Modi’s visit and that of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, emphasizing the differences in approach to connecting with the local populace.
When PM Modi visited Manipur, Gogoi remarked, the local youth felt as if they were mere props in a theatrical performance, with the Prime Minister as the sole star. In contrast, during his visit to Assam, Rahul Gandhi took the time to honor Zubeen Garg at Zubeen Khetra, meet with his family, and advocate for justice on their behalf. Notably, Gandhi has visited Manipur twice, engaging with survivors of violence and conveying a sense of empathy that, according to Gogoi, resonates more profoundly with the region’s residents.
Gogoi concluded that Gandhi understands the Northeast better than Modi, highlighting the need for political leaders to form genuine connections with the regions they visit. As the political landscape evolves, these contrasting approaches could have significant implications for future elections in Assam and beyond.
The debate over Modi’s apparent oversight continues to unfold as citizens and political figures reflect on the significance of cultural figures like Zubeen Garg and the expectations placed upon national leaders during their public engagements. As Assam’s narrative continues to develop, the responses from both the BJP and Congress will likely shape the state’s political dynamics in the upcoming months.
The strong sentiments expressed by Gogoi and others underline the importance of local culture in national discourse, as the tug-of-war between the two parties intensifies in this vibrant region.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/congress-asks-why-pm-didnt-pay-tribute-togargduring-assam-visit/article70427314.ece
Category : Delhi
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Publish Date: 2025-12-22 22:46:00
