Guwahati, Oct 17: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday visited the Samadhi and residence of late singer Zubeen Garg in Guwahati, expressing deep sorrow over the iconic musician’s untimely death and urging the government to ensure a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding it.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the bereaved family, Gandhi described Garg as a “symbol of honesty, humility, and beauty” — qualities he compared to Mount Kanchenjunga, which he said reminded him of the late artist.
“When I was 17, I went for a mountaineering course in Sikkim. Every day, I would see Mount Kanchenjunga — honest, transparent, unshakable, and beautiful. Gaurav [Gogoi] told me that Zubeen once said he was Kanchenjunga. And it struck me that he truly was — he had those very qualities,” Gandhi said.
The Congress leader said the visit to Garg’s home reflected the depth of the artist’s character.
“He had wealth, he had success, and he had humility — something Assam should be extremely proud of,” he remarked.
Gandhi also praised Zubeen Garg’s father for being instrumental in shaping the musician’s journey.
“His wisdom and support built Zubeenji and gave a voice to this wonderful state. We thank him, the entire family, and of course Zubeenji, for what they have done — not just for Assam, but for the whole country,” he said.
Calling Garg’s death a “tragedy that the whole state has faced,” Gandhi said the family’s primary demand was for truth and closure.
“It is the duty of the government to quickly and transparently investigate what has happened and tell the family — Zubeenji’s widow, sister, father, and others — exactly what happened in Singapore,” he urged.
Assuring full support from the Congress Party, Gandhi added that they were ready to assist the family in any way possible.
“We love Zubeen. We want to honour him — but first, we want transparency and justice. What happened in Singapore, everybody in Assam should know. And the sooner it happens, the better it is,” he said.
Offering condolences to the people of Assam, Gandhi said,
“Without expecting it, from the blue, you lost someone so important, someone you love. I stand with you in your grief.”
