Case registered against Mallikarjun Kharge for remarks on Bhupen Hazarika; complainant demands apology

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge was booked over his remarks on Assam's legendary singer-composer Bhupen Hazarika, officials said on Sunday. The case was filed following a complaint by RTI activist Raju Mahanta, who alleged Kharge has hurt sentiments of Assamese people.

Mahanta, who is also the president of 'Sahai' - a socio-cultural organisation of central Assam, told reporters that he filed the case as the remark passed by the Congress leader was objectionable and has hurt Assam and sentiments of its people.

"A case has



been filed against Mallikarjun Kharge at Morigaon Police Station," Swapnanil Deka, Superintendent of Police of Morigaon district said.

On Saturday, Kharge had slammed the Centre for not conferring Bharat Ratna on spiritual leader Shivakumara Swami, the Lingayat seer who died recently, and instead choosing "a singer" (Bhupen Hazarika) and a "man who propagated their RSS ideology" (Nanaji Deshmukh).

The Centre on Friday had named former President Pranab Mukherjee for Bharat Ratna along with Bhupen Hazarika and Nanaji Deshmukh.