'Op Blue Star was wrong way, Indira Gandhi paid with life for it': P Chidambaram

Operation Blue Star, ordered by Indira Gandhi in June 1984, was launched to flush out militants from the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar.

Updated on: Oct 12, 2025, 13:41:18 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Senior Congress leader and former home minister P Chidambaram on Sunday called Operation Blue Star a "mistake", adding former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ultimately paid the price for it with her life.

Chidambaram was addressing a discussion on 'They Will Shoot You, Madam: My Life Through Conflict' with author Harinder Baweja. (ANI)

Speaking at an event, Chidambaram said, "No disrespect to any military officers here, but that (Blue Star) was the wrong way to retrieve the Golden Temple. A few years later, we demonstrated the right way to retrieve the Golden Temple by keeping the Army out. Blue Star was the wrong way, and I agree that Mrs Gandhi paid with her life for that mistake."

Operation Blue Star, ordered by Indira Gandhi in June 1984, was launched to flush out militants led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar.

Also Read | Dalit’s lynching: UP Congress chief Ajay Rai tries to visit family, detained

The operation resulted in heavy casualties and widespread outrage, especially among Sikhs. Just months later, Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards in retaliation, triggering horrific anti-Sikh riots across the country.

Beant Singh and Satwant Singh were Indira Gandhi's bodyguards and killed her on October 31, 1984, at her residence.

Also Read | ‘1GB data today costs less than a cup of tea’: PM Modi at India Mobile Congress

While the former minister's remarks cast a critical light on one of India's most politically and emotionally charged military operations, Chidambaram was quick to argue that the blame could not rest solely on the late Prime Minister.

"But that mistake was a cumulative decision of the Army, the police, the intelligence and the civil service. You cannot blame it only on Mrs Gandhi. Would you?" he further asked.

Chidambaram was addressing a gathering during a discussion on 'They Will Shoot You, Madam: My Life Through Conflict' with author Harinder Baweja.

Also Read | ‘Weakened anti-terror fight’: PM Modi invokes Chidambaram to attack Congress over 26/11 attacks

The Congress party has faced long-standing criticism over both the military operation and the anti-Sikh riots that followed Indira Gandhi's assassination.

While the party has issued statements of regret in the past, this marks one of the most direct acknowledgements of mistakes by a senior Congress leader.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.