Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday announced that people found painting murals on flyovers without permission would face arrest, alleging that members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) were using public infrastructure for political publicity.
Addressing a press conference, Sarma claimed that the group which paints murals on flyovers is associated with the SFI. He alleged that the organisation first opposes the construction of flyovers and later paints murals on them to gain public attention.
“The same group that opposes the construction of flyovers later goes and paints on them. They want to protest and at the same time seek free publicity. That will not be allowed,” the Chief Minister said.
Sarma said he has instructed Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police across the state to take action against anyone found painting on flyovers without authorisation.
“I have directed the DCs and SPs that if this group is found painting on flyovers, they should be arrested,” he said.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come in the backdrop of the recent controversy over the erasure of a mural of Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg beneath the Ganeshguri flyover in Guwahati. The incident had triggered widespread public outrage, with artists and supporters restoring the mural despite police restrictions.
Referring to the mural controversy, Sarma said the two workers who had painted over Zubeen Garg’s portrait were themselves admirers of the singer but had failed to recognise the artwork. He added that portraits of eminent personalities should follow a standardised format and suggested that Zubeen Garg’s family release an officially approved portrait for public use.
The Chief Minister also criticised the use of revolutionary figure Che Guevara in public murals, questioning his relevance to Assam.
“These people paint Che Guevara everywhere. But what connection does Che Guevara have with Assam? If they want to paint a revolutionary from Assam, they can paint ULFA (Independent) chief Paresh Baruah, who has been carrying on his struggle for decades while remaining away from his family, or journalist Parag Das,” Sarma said.
Drawing from his visit to Cuba, Sarma claimed the country lacked basic infrastructure and questioned attempts to project Che Guevara as an inspirational figure in Assam.
The Chief Minister’s comments drew sharp criticism from the SFI, which condemned his remarks and opposed the proposed action against artists and activists involved in public mural painting.
