GUWAHATI: Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Khaerge has been in news for his remarks on the conferring of Bharat Ratna to Assam's legend Dr Bhupen Hazarika.
Kharge had slammed the Narendra Modi government for not conferring the Bharat Ratna on Lingayat seer Shivakumara Swami and instead choosing "a singer" (Bhupen Hazarika) and a "man who propagated their RSS ideology" (Nanaji Deshmukh). Consequently, a case had been filed against him with the Assam police.
Clarifying his stand, Kharge has now said, "The reverence with which he was looked upon is a tribute to his creativity, generosity, and humility. The conferring of Bharat Ratna on Dr Bhupen Hazarika is a recognition of his unmatched ability to bind together people across physical, language and emotional barriers."
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He further added that Dr Bhupen Hazarika was one of our country's most gifted artists whose extraordinary talents encompassed music, poetry, literature, and cinema. His contributions brought the culture and art of Assam to the attention of the world. Dr Hazarika's work greatly enriched the cultural landscape of our nation and his influence on the world of art and culture remains profoundly relevant even today.
Kharge has also extended his wishes to the family and friends of Dr Hazarika saying, "The family, friends and countless admirers of Dr Bhupen Hazarika will be delighted on this honour and I offer my congratulations to all of them."
Also read: Congress Leader Mallikarjun Kharge disappointed with ‘Bharat Ratna’ for Bhupen Hazarika