Himanta Accuses Shyamkanu Mahanta of Exploiting Zubeen and Running Anti-Modi Campaign, Says He Misrepresents Assam’s Culture

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has leveled strong criticisms against Shyamkanu Mahanta, accusing him of exploiting the late cultural icon Zubeen Garg for personal gains while simultaneously running an anti-Modi campaign during the 2024 parliamentary elections. Sarma’s remarks come amid growing public debate over Mahanta’s role in Assam’s cultural platforms and his association with Zubeen Garg, which has drawn significant attention in the media and public discourse.

Sarma stated that his concerns regarding Mahanta are not new and date back as far as six years. He emphasized that while Zubeen Garg was a great asset to the state and the cultural landscape, certain individuals, including Mahanta, used him for their own benefit. “I personally told Zubeen this, and I also mentioned it in public gatherings,” Sarma said. He added that Zubeen, as a celebrated artist, should never be compared to ordinary individuals, noting that artists live and think on a higher plane and their contributions to society should be respected and understood in that context.

The Chief Minister directly criticized Mahanta’s political stance, particularly during the 2024 parliamentary elections. He asked people to review Mahanta’s social media posts and public statements from that election period, highlighting that Mahanta consistently criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, predicted the defeat of the BJP, and actively ran an online campaign against the ruling party in Assam. Sarma observed that even today, years after his warnings, the same group associated with Mahanta continues to face scrutiny and questions from the public, illustrating the ongoing impact of Mahanta’s actions during the elections.

Sarma further stressed that Mahanta does not genuinely represent Assam’s culture or its ethos. He pointed out that whether it is the Rongali festival, the Northeast Festival, or other cultural celebrations, Mahanta does not embody the authentic culture of Assam. By making this assertion, Sarma sought to separate Mahanta’s actions and public persona from the broader cultural identity of the state, emphasizing that true representation of Assamese heritage requires respect for its history, traditions, and community values. He also clarified that he has never personally interacted with Mahanta, highlighting that his critique is based on Mahanta’s public actions and the consequences of his political and cultural interventions.

Through these remarks, Sarma conveyed a broader message about the ethical responsibilities of public figures and cultural influencers. He highlighted that exploiting revered cultural icons for political or personal gain undermines both the integrity of the individual and the broader cultural institutions they are associated with. By drawing attention to Mahanta’s political campaigns and his association with Zubeen Garg, Sarma sought to inform the public about the need for discernment when evaluating the actions of public figures, particularly those who occupy influential positions within cultural and political spheres.

In summary, Sarma’s comments focused on multiple dimensions: the exploitation of Zubeen Garg, Mahanta’s political activities during the 2024 parliamentary elections, and his misrepresentation of Assam’s culture. Sarma emphasized the importance of preserving cultural integrity, respecting the legacy of artists, and recognizing the difference between genuine cultural representation and personal or political opportunism. His remarks serve as both a critique of Mahanta and a broader commentary on the responsibilities of cultural and political actors in Assam, underscoring the need for authenticity, accountability, and respect for the state’s rich cultural heritage.