Parliament Pays Tribute to Zubeen Garg; Bharat Ratna Demand for Zubeen in LS
Lok Sabha observes silence for late singer Zubeen Garg as MPs demand a high-level probe and call for conferring the Bharat Ratna posthumously.
NEW DELHI- The Lok Sabha on Tuesday paid heartfelt tribute to acclaimed Assamese singer, composer, actor, and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, who passed away under mysterious circumstances in Singapore last month. Members across party lines recalled his artistic legacy, public service, and profound influence on generations of listeners.
Raising the matter during Zero Hour, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi described Garg as “Assam’s Kanchenjunga — an unshakeable peak of music, philanthropy, and Assamese pride”. Gogoi noted that Garg’s body of work united people across linguistic and regional divides while also driving social causes such as flood relief, anti-drug campaigns, and communal harmony.
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“Zubeen-da was not just a singer; he was a movement,” Gogoi said, urging the Centre to order a high-level probe into the circumstances surrounding the artiste’s sudden death while he was in Singapore for an official cultural programme. He emphasised the need for full transparency, given the widespread public concern and speculation.
The Congress MP also demanded a posthumous Bharat Ratna for Garg, arguing that his contributions to Indian music and culture placed him in the league of Lata Mangeshkar and Bhupen Hazarika. He said Garg had carried forward Hazarika’s legacy and introduced Assamese music to a global audience.
Listen Video Song ( A tribute to Zubeen )
Several MPs from the Northeast, including Birendra Prasad Baishya (AGP) and Badruddin Ajmal (AIUDF), supported the demands and stressed the importance of a thorough, independent investigation.
Responding on behalf of the government, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai informed the House that the Ministry of External Affairs is in continuous contact with Singapore authorities and that “all aspects are being examined”. He described Garg as “a cultural icon whose loss is deeply felt by the entire nation”.
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Speaker Om Birla then requested members to rise for a minute’s silence in memory of the late artiste.
Outside Parliament, hundreds of fans and members of Zubeen Garg fan clubs held a peaceful candlelight vigil at Jantar Mantar, calling for justice and demanding the Bharat Ratna. Slogans such as “We want justice for Zubeen-da” and “Bharat Ratna for Zubeen Garg” echoed through the gathering.
With public sentiment intensifying across Assam and the Northeast, the Centre may face growing pressure in the remaining days of the Winter Session to respond decisively to the twin demands — a transparent probe and consideration of the nation’s highest civilian honour.
