Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma

New Delhi: Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma On Tuesday accused Congress of indulging in “disgusting politics” by involving the singer’s issue. Zubeen GargIt said in its election manifesto on the death of the late singer that the party had committed “an unpardonable crime” by invoking the late singer’s name for votes.Speaking on the sidelines of the BJP’s manifesto release event here, Sarma said Zubeen Garg was very much loved by the people of Assam and using his name in the election campaign was “unfortunate and sad”.He said, “The Congress has committed an unpardonable crime by including Zubeen’s name and his death in its election manifesto. If the Congress wants to pay a true tribute to Zubeen, they can appoint a lawyer… They can bring in Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who can argue the case for free in the fast-track court.”The comments come after Congress in its manifesto released by party president Mallikarjun Kharge promised to give justice to the singer within 100 days of coming to power.Sarma said the issue was already being heard in the court and claimed that the Congress was unaware that a fast-track court had been constituted and daily hearings had already begun.He said, “No one has done such disgusting politics by bringing up Zubeen’s name to seek votes…people will punish the party severely in the elections.”The Chief Minister said the government cannot decide the outcome of the case and can only facilitate the legal process by setting up courts and appointing prosecution lawyers.He said, “I want justice to be given in less than three months, maybe within a month. I believe that the way the proceedings are going on, it will not take even 100 days to give justice and I hope that within a month we will get good news.”The Gauhati High Court had appointed a special fast-track sessions court on March 16, and the state government later provided logistical support for its functioning.Zubeen Garg, 52, died on September 19 last year while swimming in the sea in Singapore, where he had gone to attend the fourth North East India Festival (NEIF).After his death, the Assam government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the CID wing of Assam Police to investigate the case. The SIT later filed a charge sheet before a local court in Guwahati, naming seven accused, all of whom have been arrested and are currently in judicial custody.Sarma also attacked the Congress leadership and alleged that Kharge had insulted both Bhupen Hazarika and Zubin Garg, also referring to comments allegedly made by Kharge’s son.“Kharge’s son has insulted the youth of Assam by saying that there are no talented people to work in the semiconductor industry in the state… Will people believe that they can give justice to Zubeen Garg? Sarma said.The Chief Minister further alleged that a video circulated on social media showed people from a consultancy firm appointed by the Congress discussing how the issue of Zubeen Garg’s death should be raised at various levels to secure votes.“If I become chief minister again, I will ensure that all the members of this company are arrested for their involvement in such dirty politics and conspiracy. I will not spare anyone doing politics in the name of Zubeen.Sarma said he did not want to politicize the singer’s name and would visit his memorial again only after taking oath as the chief minister.“Zubeen himself had said ‘rajneeti nokoriba, bandhu’ (don’t get involved in politics, friends), but that’s all Congress is doing…let the singer rest in peace,” he said.He also questioned why Congress leaders visit the singer’s memorial with cameras.