Operation Blue star a ‘black day’: Maharashtra BJP minister triggers row

Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan has ignited controversy by labeling Operation Blue Star a "black day" and referring to those killed in the 1984 military action as "martyrs." The senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader also criticized the then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, drawing a parallel between the Army's operation at the Golden Temple and the invasion by Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali.

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For us, Operation Blue Star is a black day. Our brothers and sisters were martyred and killed.

Mahajan, the minister for Water Resources and Disaster Management, became the first state government representative to attend the anniversary commemoration of Operation Blue Star at Damdami Taksal headquarters in Amritsar. Addressing the gathering, he stated, "For us, Operation Blue Star is a black day. Our brothers and sisters were martyred and killed." He characterized the event as a "military attack" on the Sikh community's holy shrine, alleging that Gandhi "forcibly sent the Army into Punjab and into our sacred place."

Mahajan further claimed that Sikhs were "brutally killed" and asserted that those responsible were never punished, calling it a "deliberate act." The comments drew strong reactions, particularly from Congress, which accused the BJP of raising the Khalistan issue for electoral gain ahead of elections in Punjab and of exhibiting double standards. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut called for Mahajan's dismissal from the state cabinet.

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It was a military attack on our holy shrine. Indiraji forcibly sent them (Army) to Punjab and into our sacred place.

Conversely, Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar defended Indira Gandhi's decision, arguing it was essential for preserving India's unity. He suggested that without that action, "India would have been divided into two parts." Wadettiwar emphasized that the decision should be viewed within the context of the prevailing circumstances at the time, implying Mahajan's comments lacked understanding.

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Had that decision not been taken during Indira ji's tenure, perhaps India would have been divided into two parts and the concept of an undivided India would not have remained.