Was Operation Blue Star a Political Misadventure?
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Synopsis
In a provocative discussion, former Union Minister P. Chidambaram labeled Operation Blue Star an ill-conceived tactic, eliciting a strong response from the BJP. This article explores the implications of these remarks and the historical context surrounding the controversial military action.
Key Takeaways
- Operation Blue Star was a military action taken in 1984 under Indira Gandhi's orders.
- P. Chidambaram labeled the operation a “wrong approach”.
- The BJP criticized Operation Blue Star as a “political misadventure”.
- R.P. Singh suggested alternatives to avoid bloodshed.
- Historical controversies surrounding the operation continue to affect Sikh sentiments.
New Delhi, Oct 12 (NationPress) Following ex-Union Minister P. Chidambaram's assertion that Operation Blue Star was a “misguided” strategy, the BJP retaliated sharply against Congress, labeling the 1984 military operation a “political blunder” orchestrated under the leadership of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Chidambaram expressed these views on Saturday while leading a discussion on the book ‘They Will Shoot You, Madam’ by journalist Harinder Baweja at the Khushwant Singh Literature Festival in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.
During the event, the former Home Minister stated that Operation Blue Star, initiated on Indira Gandhi's orders to eliminate terrorists from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, was the “wrong approach” and that Gandhi “paid with her life for that error”.
He emphasized, however, that the operation was a “collective decision of the army, police, intelligence, and civil service”, indicating that Gandhi should not bear sole responsibility.
The BJP reacted vehemently, asserting that the Sikh community will “never forgive” Congress for Operation Blue Star.
National spokesperson R.P. Singh condemned Congress, stating that the operation was “entirely avoidable”, suggesting that a strategy akin to Operation Black Thunder could have been employed to achieve the same goals without violence.
In a post on X, Singh declared, “As a Nationalist, I firmly believe that Operation Blue Star was completely avoidable, as rightly pointed out by former Home Minister P. Chidambaram. A more strategic method like Operation Black Thunder, which involved cutting off electricity and water supplies to the Golden Temple, could have led to surrender without desecrating the sanctity of Sri Harmandir Sahib and the Akal Takhat, and without the tragic loss of innocent lives.”
He accused Indira Gandhi of opting for a “confrontational path for electoral advantage” in light of the 1984 parliamentary elections, framing the Sikh community as “anti-national”.
“In doing so, she ensnared herself in her own political machinations and ultimately paid for it with her life. However, the true tragedy was experienced by my community — over 3,000 Sikhs were brutally murdered in Delhi, and more than 30,000 lost their lives across Punjab, victims of a calculated political strategy that shattered the nation’s social fabric,” Singh lamented.
“History must record the truth: Operation Blue Star was not a national necessity — it was a political misadventure,” he added.
Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that Chidambaram's comments reveal the Congress party's “historical error” of perpetrating atrocities against the Sikh community.
“Claiming that Indira Gandhi was not responsible is completely inaccurate. She is accountable as the Prime Minister of the country. This was her deliberate choice, driven by animosity towards Sikhs, which resulted in their deaths. The party responsible for this is indeed admitting it was a mistake, but P. Chidambaram must remember that Sikhs will never forget the party or Indira Gandhi,” Sirsa concluded.
Point of View
It's imperative to approach this sensitive topic with the utmost respect for the historical context and the communities involved. The discourse surrounding Operation Blue Star remains polarizing, reflecting broader national sentiments. It is essential to engage with all perspectives while honoring the memories of those affected.
NationPress
12/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Operation Blue Star?
Operation Blue Star was a military operation conducted in June 1984 aimed at capturing Sikh militants holed up in the Golden Temple, Amritsar.
Who was responsible for Operation Blue Star?
The operation was ordered by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, leading to significant controversy and debate regarding its execution.
What were the consequences of Operation Blue Star?
The operation led to widespread violence, including the assassination of Indira Gandhi and subsequent anti-Sikh riots, resulting in thousands of deaths.
How has Operation Blue Star impacted Sikh sentiments?
The operation is viewed by many in the Sikh community as a deep-seated trauma, contributing to lasting grievances against the Indian government.
What is the BJP's position on Operation Blue Star?
The BJP has criticized Operation Blue Star as a political misadventure, asserting that it was avoidable and detrimental to national unity.
