Chirang, Sep 20: The campaigning for the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections wrapped up today in an unexpectedly quiet manner, as political factions in the area halted their planned activities to mourn the passing of renowned singer and youth icon, Zubeen Garg. His sudden death has left the people of Assam in deep sorrow.

At the conclusion of the campaign, Pramod Boro, president of the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and BTC chief executive member, expressed profound sadness over Garg's passing.

“We have been experiencing a challenging and sorrowful time since yesterday. In honor of Zubeen Da, our party, UPPL, is organizing memorial services across 40 districts this evening. While informal tributes were paid in various locations yesterday, today we will formally gather to pray for his soul's eternal peace. I will be in Kokrajhar to pay my last respects in his native Assam,” Boro stated.

Boro reflected on Garg’s impact on the Bodo community, saying, “Zubeen Da significantly contributed to the promotion of Boro culture and lent his voice to many of our songs. In the future, we will launch initiatives in his honor.”

He also briefly discussed his party's achievements and the upcoming elections set for September 22. “The people of Bodoland entrusted us with governance for five years. We have completed numerous projects and have several more underway. We initiated programs that previous administrations overlooked. I sincerely thank the people of Bodoland for five years of peace, harmony, and development. We are dedicated to continuing this collaboration in the future,” he added.

Typically characterized by rallies, passionate speeches, and political rivalries, the end of this campaign season was marked by a collective mourning, with leaders and supporters coming together to honor the singer whose influence crossed many boundaries.