Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Friday that public murals in the state should depict Ulfa (I) leader Paresh Baruah rather than Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara. His comments responded to a dispute over a portrait of singer Zubeen Garg styled after Guevara, located under a flyover in Guwahati.
Sarma indicated that only an approved image of Garg, authorized by his widow Garima Saikia Garg, would be permitted for replication in public areas.
The issue arose after the original mural was removed during preparations for a possible visit by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, which did not occur. A new version was later painted by artist Marshall Baruah.
The chief minister explained that the workers who removed the first mural were local Assamese painters who failed to recognize the subject due to its Guevara-inspired style. He noted they were fans of Garg and not outsiders.
Sarma suggested that any revolutionary images should instead feature Assamese individuals such as Baruah, who has pursued his cause for three decades, or activist Parag Das, killed in 1996.
Although he condemned Baruah’s actions, Sarma said local figures were preferable if revolutionary themes were chosen. Baruah continues to lead remnants of the Ulfa (I) group from abroad.
Sarma also criticized Guevara, saying he had little knowledge of the figure until recently and found no connection to Assam after reviewing his role in the Cuban Revolution. He highlighted Cuba’s economic conditions and limited ties to the state.
The chief minister claimed the artist belonged to a student group linked to the CPI(M), a claim the painter denied in a video, stating his admiration for Guevara stemmed from personal reasons.
Sarma further proposed that all public depictions of Garg must follow the approved portrait by his wife.
