Guwahati, Sept 25: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that cultural entrepreneur Shyamkanu Mahanta’s programmes do not reflect Assamese culture, and therefore the state government has decided not to extend any funding support to them.
“Shyamkanu Mahanta’s programmes are not associated with Assamese culture, and that’s why I never attended them. I once went to his programme at Judges Field, but after a disruption from the crowd, I left immediately,” Sarma told reporters.
The chief minister added that he had only once, during his political career, travelled to Delhi to participate in Mahanta’s programme. “I never encourage him or his programmes because they are not connected to Assamese culture. The state government has decided no funding will be given to him,” Sarma said.
According to Sarma, the state has also written to the Centre, advising against patronising Mahanta or providing him with any funding. “We have informed the Central government not to support him in any kind of activity because his programmes do not represent Assamese culture,” he said.
Sarma also referred to late singer Zubeen Garg, alleging that Mahanta and his circle had exploited the cultural icon. “Six years ago, I had said Zubeen was our resource, but some people were using him for their own benefit. I always questioned the circle that exploited him,” the CM remarked.
He further criticised Mahanta for his past political comments. “If you check his posts, you will see he criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP. During the last election, he predicted BJP would lose and openly attacked us. I have never spoken to him or responded to him,” Sarma said.
Also Read: Riya Sangma remembers Zubeen Garg: A timeless tribute to a music legend
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