Politics · India Bureau
Assam Singer Simanta Shekhar Quits BJP Over Cultural Row
Renowned Assamese musician Simanta Shekhar has resigned from the BJP and stepped down from his position at a state film finance body, following a dispute over comments made by a party MLA regarding celebrated cultural figure Zubeen Garg.
LSN India ·
Simanta Shekhar, a prominent figure in Assam's music industry, has announced his exit from the Bharatiya Janata Party and his resignation from the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation, according to reports on Monday.
The decision comes days after the singer publicly criticised BJP MLA Vijay Kumar Gupta over inaccurate statements concerning Zubeen Garg, a revered cultural icon in the northeastern state. The exchange highlighted tensions within the party over cultural matters and representation of Assam's artistic heritage.
Shekhar's departure marks a notable split between the party and a culturally influential voice in the region. His involvement with both the BJP and the state film finance body had positioned him at the intersection of politics and arts in Assam, making his resignation a significant development in the state's cultural and political landscape.
The exact details of Shekhar's grievances and his future plans remain unclear, though his public stance suggests a fundamental disagreement over how the party has handled matters related to Assam's cultural figures and legacy.