Shiromani Akali Dal Objects to Sonia Gandhi’s Remarks

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s remarks about former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s reaction to the 1984 Operation Blue Star have triggered a fresh political controversy. In an interview with British newspaper The Guardian, ahead of the release of her memoir Belonging: A Journey of Love, Sonia recalled that Indira was deeply distressed after seeing images of the devastation caused by the military operation at the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. She reportedly said that tears rolled down Indira’s face when she was shown the images. The account has once again brought the sensitive events of 1984 into the political spotlight.

The Shiromani Akali Dal has strongly criticised Sonia Gandhi’s remarks. Party spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler said the operation was a direct attack on the Sikh community and Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He questioned the Congress leadership’s expression of anguish and urged its leaders to meet families affected by the events to understand their suffering. He also referred to the anti-Sikh violence that followed Indira Gandhi’s assassination later in 1984. Congress leaders, meanwhile, have maintained that the party has never justified Operation Blue Star. The exchange has reignited debate over the operation and the Congress party’s role in the events of that year.