Congress Upset as Chidambaram Labels Operation Blue Star a “Huge Mistake”
Congress Upset as Chidambaram Labels Operation Blue Star a “Huge Mistake”
Congress Upset: Former Congress leader P. Chidambaram calls Operation Blue Star a “huge mistake,” sparking backlash from Congress leadership. Party sources urge caution, fearing embarrassment and internal unrest.
The Congress party is reportedly deeply upset following remarks made by senior leader and former Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Operation Blue Star, calling it a “huge mistake.” Party insiders say that such statements from senior leaders can embarrass the party and create unnecessary internal turmoil.
Chidambaram made the controversial remarks during the Khushwant Singh Literature Festival in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. Speaking on Saturday, he said, “There was a way to bring back and capture all the terrorists, but Operation Blue Star was the wrong way. I agree that Mrs. Gandhi paid the price for this mistake with her life, but this mistake was a joint decision of the Army, Intelligence Department, Police, and Civil Defence, and you cannot blame Mrs. Gandhi entirely for it.”
Congress Upset: Congress Leadership Reacts
According to sources, the Congress leadership believes that senior leaders, who have received everything from the party, must exercise restraint in making public statements that could cause embarrassment. Party insiders noted that repeated controversial statements by senior figures like Chidambaram can damage the party’s image and create confusion among its workers.
“The top leadership and the entire party are very upset,” said one insider. “All party workers are perplexed as to why this is happening repeatedly. Leaders need to be cautious and avoid statements that could harm the party’s reputation.”
The sources highlighted that senior leaders should understand the impact of their words, especially when discussing sensitive historical events like Operation Blue Star. The repeated controversies surrounding Chidambaram’s remarks have left party members worried about public perception and internal discord.
Operation Blue Star: A Controversial Chapter
Operation Blue Star, carried out in June 1984, was a military action ordered by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to remove militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The operation remains one of the most sensitive chapters in India’s modern political history, with debates over its execution and consequences continuing to this day.
Chidambaram’s comments, which suggest that the operation was mishandled, reflect a candid acknowledgment of the controversy surrounding the military action. By highlighting that the decision was collective, he attempts to strike a balance between historical accountability and critiquing the method used.
Impact on the Congress Party
Political analysts argue that such statements, issued by senior leaders, can have far-reaching consequences. The Congress party is still navigating challenges related to public perception, and remarks like Chidambaram’s could potentially complicate its efforts to maintain a unified image.
Party sources emphasize that leaders must be strategic in addressing historical controversies, ensuring that their remarks do not inadvertently create friction within the party or among its supporters.
Chidambaram’s remarks serve as a reminder of the delicate balance senior leaders must maintain between honest historical assessment and party loyalty. While history debates will continue, the Congress party appears focused on managing internal reactions and preventing further embarrassment.
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