Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar joined mourners at the Jorhat Sports Stadium on Wednesday to pay heartfelt tribute to Assam's legendary singer Zubeen Garg during the 13th-day rituals following his untimely death. Accompanied by Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi, Shivakumar offered condolences to Garg's wife, Garima Saikia Garg, and family members, emphasising the party's solidarity and commitment to preserving the icon's enduring legacy in Assamese culture.

Shivakumar conveyed a message from Rahul Gandhi and the All India Congress Committee, assuring full support in honouring Garg's contributions. "Losing someone so beloved is an unimaginable pain, and my thoughts are with you in this difficult time. In this moment of grief, I, along with Rahul Gandhi and the entire Congress party, stand with you and pray you find strength in the love and memories he has left behind," he told Garima. He expressed hope that Garg's music and spirit of love would continue to inspire and comfort the family, while pledging to carry forward his cultural imprint to keep Assamese traditions vibrant.

Speaking to reporters afterward, Shivakumar described Garg as "Assam's ambassador", immortalised through his profound influence on music, culture, and heritage. He noted that the Congress Working Committee in Patna had passed a condolence resolution led by Rahul Gandhi, reflecting the party's collective grief. Garg's vast repertoire, spanning over 40 languages including Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi, has left an indelible mark on Indian music, with hits like the Bollywood chartbuster "Ya Ali" from the 2006 film Gangster earning him nationwide acclaim. Born on November 18, 1972, in Tinsukia, Assam, the 52-year-old singer, composer, actor, and philanthropist blended folk, pop, and rock elements, advocating for Northeast identity and social causes throughout his 33-year career.

Also Read: Gautam Adani and Son Offer Tribute at Zubeen Garg’s Residence

The visit also highlighted the strong ties between Assam and Karnataka's Northeast diaspora. Shivakumar mentioned receiving numerous calls from the Assamese community in Bengaluru, who expressed excitement over his representation. They requested land allocation in Karnataka for a cultural centre to foster deeper bonds between the states. "As soon as I go back, we will look into it," he promised, praising the over five lakh Northeast residents in Karnataka for their discipline, hard work, and contributions across sectors. Shivakumar credited Gogoi for facilitating the trip, which included a delegation of Congress leaders, and reiterated prayers for the family's strength and Garg's peaceful soul.

Garg's death on September 19, 2025, in Singapore—officially ruled a drowning during a swimming incident without a life jacket—sparked widespread mourning and controversy. His body was cremated with full state honours in Guwahati on September 23 after a second post-mortem ordered by the Assam government to address public suspicions of foul play. A Special Investigation Team continues to probe the circumstances, with recent arrests of an event organiser and manager linked to his final trip. The tragedy has united fans, artists, and leaders in celebrating Garg's role as a cultural bridge, ensuring his melodies echo across generations.

Also Read: Juhi Chawla, Hrithik Roshan, Amitabh Bachchan Among Bollywood Billionaires