Chidambaram Calls 1984 Operation Blue Star a Mistake, Sparks Outrage

Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram has ignited controversy by labeling the 1984 military action known as Operation Blue Star as the “wrong way” to reclaim the Golden Temple. Speaking candidly, he stated that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ultimately “paid with her life” for the decision. Chidambaram emphasized that the operation represented a collective failure involving the Army, Police, intelligence, and civil services, implying that blame should not rest solely on Gandhi’s shoulders.

Chidambaram’s comments have sparked a wave of criticism from various political figures. Congress leader Rashid Alvi raised questions about Chidambaram’s motives, suggesting he may be experiencing pressure due to pending criminal cases. Alvi criticized him for targeting his own party instead of the opposition, specifically the BJP.

In response, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa contended that Chidambaram’s remarks confirm the Congress Party’s complicity in the atrocities committed against Sikhs during that period, including the desecration of Sri Darbar Sahib. Sirsa accused the party of acting out of hatred towards Sikhs and declared that they cannot evade responsibility for the events that transpired.

The discourse surrounding Operation Blue Star remains a sensitive topic in India’s political landscape. The operation, which took place in June 1984, was aimed at flushing out Sikh militants from the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. It resulted in significant loss of life and damage to the revered site, leading to widespread outrage and long-lasting ramifications for the Sikh community.

Chidambaram’s remarks have reignited longstanding debates about the legacy of that military action and its impact on Sikh sentiments. As political leaders continue to weigh in, the conversation highlights the deep divisions that persist in Indian society regarding historical events and their interpretations.

While Chidambaram’s statements may have aimed to reflect on past failures, the backlash underscores the complexity of discussing such a charged historical event. Political leaders must now navigate the implications of these comments as they resonate throughout the Indian political landscape.