Assam: Zubeen Garg discusses flood scenario with CM Sarbananda Sonowal

Guwahati: Assam singing sensation Zubeen Garg, who has always been very vocal about the issues plaguing the common citizen, revealed in a recent televised interview that he has had discussions with Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal regarding the ongoing flood scenario.

"I talked with him (Sonowal) over several issues. We talked about the ruckus over the flood situation every year. We discussed what steps are being taken and which schemes are being implemented to offset the recurring problem. Sonowal said that experts have come in, and they are researching the matter; it will take some time, as the Brahmaputra is a vast river", Zubeen said.

Zubeen also said that he also asked Sonowal what steps are being taken to rehabilitate the scores of youths who had to return back home after the pandemic landed on India's shores.

The singing megastar also said that the coronavirus is going to compel the people of Assam to become self-dependent. "Now, people are looking for ideas to monetize their resources and become independent in view of the ongoing pandemic", Zubeen opined.

It needs mention here that Zubeen Garg's relationship with the Assam Chief Minister has been a rather curious one. It hit a rocky patch amid the sustained protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, with Garg urging for Sonowal's support to repeal the act. At one point, he even wrote an open letter to the CM urging him to oppose the act that seeks to fast-track citizenship to minorities from Muslim-majority countries.

Since then, however, the singer and the Chief Minister have been on rather amicable terms. Zubeen ran into the CM earlier in the year at the much-vaunted Filmfare Awards held in Guwahati city where the duo hugged out their differences. Later, the CM visited Zubeen in a Guwahati hospital where he was recovering after a bout of illness.

"I do not talk with him only as a Chief Minister has known him for a long time. I address him as 'brother'. I keep bumping into him, like at the Filmfare awards. I have even sung campaign songs for both the BJP and Congress; however, I have stopped doing that as it leads to many unwarranted situations", Zubeen said.

However, despite his close ties to Sonowal, Zubeen said that he will continue to oppose the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. "The momentum (of the protests) has slowed due to the pandemic. However, I will continue to voice out for the people and oppose the CAA", Zubeen asserted.

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