‘He’s Doing What BJP Would’: Congress Slams Chidambaram Over Operation Blue Star Remark

Last Updated:October 12, 2025, 14:23 IST

Chidambaram said that the then PM Indira Gandhi “paid the price of Operation Blue Star's mistake with her life”.

Congress leader Rashid Alvi. (Image: ANI)

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram sparked controversy on Sunday with his comments on Operation Blue Star, describing the 1984 military action to flush out Sikh separatists from the Golden Temple in Amritsar as “the wrong way" to secure the temple. Speaking at a panel discussion, Chidambaram noted that the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi “paid the price of that mistake with her life" and argued that the responsibility should not rest solely with her, citing the role of the Army, police, intelligence, and civil services in the decision.

Congress questions Chidambaram’s motives

Congress leader Rashid Alvi criticised Chidambaram’s remarks, saying, “Whether Operation Blue Star was right or wrong is a different matter. But what compels P Chidambaram to attack the Congress party, Indira Gandhi, claiming she took the wrong step, after 50 years? He’s doing the same thing the BJP and the Prime Minister would do. It’s unfortunate."

Alvi added that Chidambaram’s repeated attacks on the party raised “many doubts and misgivings" and questioned whether he was under pressure to continue criticising the Congress. 

He also urged Chidambaram to focus on highlighting the shortcomings of the BJP over the past 11 years rather than revisiting historic party decisions.

Operation Blue Star

Operation Blue Star, conducted from 1 to 8 June 1984, was aimed at removing Khalistani separatists led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from the Golden Temple complex. The military operation resulted in casualties among both soldiers and civilians, despite successfully eliminating the armed militants.

The operation’s consequences were profound. It led to the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards on 31 October 1984, which in turn triggered widespread anti-Sikh riots across India, leaving thousands dead and deep scars on the nation.

Chidambaram emphasised that the decision to carry out the operation was collective, stating, “You cannot blame it only on Mrs Gandhi. Would you?" He highlighted the complexity of the operation and the involvement of multiple agencies, arguing against attributing responsibility solely to the late Prime Minister.

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...

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News politics ‘He’s Doing What BJP Would’: Congress Slams Chidambaram Over Operation Blue Star Remark

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