Guwahati: BJP will mark Zubeen Garg’s birth and death anniversaries every year with blood donation drives, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday, as the party observed the singer’s first death anniversary across Assam. The camps collected 1,869 units of blood.Sarma said around 3,800 people had registered to donate blood and that 116 units were collected at the main camp at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan in Guwahati, where he also donated blood.“We will try to collect as much blood as possible throughout the day. The entire programme has primarily been organised by BJP workers. On this occasion, I thank all BJP workers for observing Zubeen Garg’s sacred death anniversary through blood donation,” Sarma said, thanking state BJP president Dilip Saikia for leading the initiative.“Today, we are observing the day through blood donation. BJP will continue to observe both his birth anniversary and death anniversary every year through blood donation,” Sarma added.Sarma said he would refrain from commenting on the case related to Zubeen’s death in his capacity as CM, as the matter is currently sub judice.“Any comment from me could influence the judicial process, and those involved in the crime could potentially take advantage of it in the future. Therefore, I believe it is appropriate for me to remain silent on the case that is currently before the court,” Sarma said.Sarma said people should remember Zubeen for his achievements, including his songs, music and service to humanity.“We should remember him as a great personality who made a significant contribution to Assam. People across the state are observing the day in their own ways,” Sarma said.Sarma said govt would not declare a special day to commemorate Zubeen’s death anniversary. He said observances such as Rava Divas and Silpi Divas, commemorating Bishnu Prasad Rava and Jyoti Prasad Agarwala respectively, were established by the people, rather than govt.“When the people give such recognition, the govt follows the people. The government did not declare Silpi Divas or Rava Divas on its own. When the people decide, the govt naturally follows such days,” he said.
