Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera on Thursday, April 2, accused Assam’s BJP-led government of failing the state and raised sharp questions about the handling of issues surrounding the death of singer Zubeen Garg, saying Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been avoiding accountability. Speaking at a press conference in Tezpur, Khera said public grief over Garg’s passing had cast a shadow over this year’s Bohag Bihu, declaring, “Bohag Bihu without Zubeen Da is like a body without a soul,” and adding that people have “unease and unanswered questions” about the circumstances of the death.
Khera directly challenged the chief minister’s response to demands for justice, asking, “Who is being protected and what is being concealed?” He insisted that seeking answers is not a crime and urged that the full truth be revealed. He also criticised what he called the neglect of Zubeen Kshetra, contrasting it with the BJP’s alleged focus on constructing “five-star-like offices” elsewhere, and claimed a weak chargesheet had been filed in the related case.
Broadening his attack, Khera accused the state government of multiple governance failures, citing unemployment, rising drug abuse, threats to women’s safety, and deteriorating law and order. He alleged that land policies have favoured select interests, leading to diversion of large tracts — including tea garden and tribal areas — and jeopardising livelihoods and natural resources.
On the same day Khera launched the Congress manifesto for Assam, calling the occasion “historic” and saying the document was drafted after extensive consultations across communities. He presented key proposals that include the creation of an independent anti-corruption commission, publication of a white paper on state finances, and greater transparency in government contracts, while alleging a sharp rise in wealth among ministers and their families in recent years.
The manifesto’s welfare and development promises include land rights for ten lakh people, financial assistance for women entrepreneurs, and expanded healthcare with a ₹25 lakh cashless insurance scheme. Education and employment measures outlined include AI-enabled schools, subsidised student loans, and local hiring initiatives. Khera also pledged support for agriculture, revival of traditional industries, improved flood management, protection of wetlands such as Deepor Beel, and steps to curb land mafias and drug networks.
As cultural measures, he proposed a “Zubeen Garg Fellowship” and a centre for excellence in art and culture to honor the late artist’s legacy. Concluding his address, Khera accused the BJP and the RSS of promoting division and said the people of Assam have “made up their minds” to bring about political change.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/elections/story/bohag-bihu-without-zubeen-da-is-like-body-without-soul-congress-leader-pawan-khera-1369550-2026-04-02?utm_source=rssfeed
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-04-02 23:08:00
