Controversy Erupts Over Girish Mahajan's Remarks on Operation Blue Star

Girish Mahajan's Controversial Statements

Senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Maharashtra minister, Girish Mahajan, has stirred controversy by labeling 'Operation Blue Star' as a 'black day' and referring to those killed in the military operation as 'martyrs.'

Mahajan drew a parallel between 'Operation Blue Star' and the invasion of the Golden Temple by Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Durrani, while also criticizing former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

In response, the Congress party strongly condemned Mahajan's comments, accusing the BJP of inflating the Khalistan issue ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) has called for Mahajan's removal from his ministerial position.

Participation in Memorial Ceremony

Last Saturday, Mahajan became the first representative from any state government to attend the memorial for 'Operation Blue Star' held at the Damdami Taksal headquarters in Amritsar.

During the event, he stated, 'For us, 'Operation Blue Star' is a black day. Our brothers and sisters were killed.'

He characterized the operation as a 'military attack' on a sacred site for the Sikh community, alleging that Indira Gandhi forced the army into Punjab and the holy site (Golden Temple).

Historical Context and Reactions

Mahajan compared the military action to the invasion of the Golden Temple by Durrani and expressed that the 'military attack' in 1984 caused profound sorrow within the community.

He accused the authorities of brutally killing Sikhs during 'Operation Blue Star' and claimed that those responsible were never punished.

He remarked, 'Such a horrific tragedy occurred. I would not call it an accident but a calculated conspiracy, in which many of our brothers and sisters were killed. Yet, no one was punished.'

Political Fallout

'Operation Blue Star' was a military campaign conducted by the armed forces from June 1 to June 10, 1984, aimed at removing militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and others from the Golden Temple complex.

Following this operation, terrorism began to rise in Punjab.

The Congress party reacted sharply to Mahajan's statements, accusing the BJP of exploiting the Khalistan issue for electoral gain ahead of the Punjab assembly elections.

Calls for Accountability

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut stated that Mahajan should be dismissed from the state cabinet and the BJP.

Vijay Wadettiwar, leader of the Congress legislative party in Maharashtra, supported Indira Gandhi's decision to order the military action, asserting that it was essential for maintaining India's unity.

Wadettiwar noted, 'Had that decision not been made during Indira's tenure, India might have been divided, and the concept of a united India would not have survived.'

Criticism of Mahajan's Understanding

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant criticized Mahajan, accusing the BJP of adopting a contradictory stance on this sensitive national issue for political advantage.

Sawant stated, 'Mahajan lacks an understanding of history and sensitive national matters. The BJP has begun to raise the Khalistan issue ahead of elections in Punjab.'

He emphasized that both Indira Gandhi and Army Chief General Arun Kumar Vaidya sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Final Remarks

Raut further asserted that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis possess any sense of patriotism, they should expel Mahajan from the state cabinet and the BJP.

He questioned whether 'Operation Sindoor' should also be labeled a 'black day.'

Raut concluded, 'If you consider this (Operation Blue Star) a black day, then you are a traitor. This was an operation conducted to maintain the integrity and security of the nation, for which a Prime Minister (Indira Gandhi) sacrificed her life, fought a battle, and defeated terrorism to ensure Punjab remained a part of India.'