The analysis of Operation Blue Star and its impact on the Gandhi dynasty is seen as a dark period in India’s history. It is considered a stain that is hard to forget. Even now, there are discussions about whether Indihar Gandhi was right in executing Operation Blue Star, which caused significant harm to the Golden Temple and resulted in the deaths of around 492 (according to official reports) or possibly as high as 1500 (as estimated) civilians. This tragic incident also triggered anti-Sikh riots, causing an additional 5,000 Sikh fatalities.
The question of whether Indihar Gandhi was justified in her actions and if there were alternative solutions to her problems with the Sikhs is still debated in India today. In this discussion, we will explore the identity of Indihar Gandhi, the significance of Operation Blue Star, the reasons behind her decision to invoke it, the ultimate consequences of her actions leading to her assassination, the aftermath for India’s Sikh population, and the impact on the Gandhi dynasty.
On June 3, 1984, Indihar Gandhi ordered Operation Blue Star, a military assault on the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. The Golden Temple is widely revered as a sacred and religious site globally. Indihar Gandhi believed it was necessary to take this action due to a series of events. Sikhs, associated with the Khalistan movement, sought autonomy for Punjab and felt they were facing oppression.
The Khalistan movement, led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, used unconventional methods to express their views and desires based on religious affiliations. Bhindranwale strongly believed that violence was the only way to achieve liberation, as demonstrated through forceful protests and acts of terrorism. His actions were driven by the mistreatment of Muslims by the government, as well as the creation of Pakistan and Bangladesh, along with his belief that Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent principles were ineffective.
Indihar Gandhi’s main concern was the succession of Punjab and the possibility of other states following suit, which could result in India returning to a period when it was fragmented into independently governed regions. Moreover, she was infuriated by their resort to violence and their decision to use a religious site as their headquarters. In order to tackle these problems, she introduced Operation Blue Star, with the objective of quelling the root cause of the conflict by discovering and confiscating the weapons that were being employed by the rebels.
The wounds caused by Operation Blue star are still healing even now. Indihar Gandhi discovered her weapons and ultimately managed to dispel her fears of a separate country, but at a tremendous cost. When the military finally pulled back and permitted media coverage, it not only revealed the destruction inflicted upon the Golden temple and the deaths of numerous Sikh extremists, but also depicted religious civilians and ammunition. The Hindu population of India, in particular, strongly opposed the idea of the country breaking apart. They did not desire another Pakistan.
After Operation Blue star, the Sikh community expressed their dissatisfaction through street protests which incited anger from both the government and the Indian population. These demonstrations resulted in violent riots and misunderstandings, whereby Hindus exhibited aggression towards Sikhs. Unfortunately, the situation worsened following the assassination of Indihar Gandhi. In addition to facing riots instigated by Hindus, the already disadvantaged Sikhs were subjected to horrifying mistreatment and murder.
Many Sikhs chose to live together in groups away from the public due to their visible physical differences from Hindus, fearing going out and living alone. In severe cases, Sikhs were burned alive or stoned to death. After Indihar Gandhi’s assassination, it is estimated that over 5,000 Sikhs lost their lives during the rallies and riots that happened in the following three months. Gandhi’s actions initiated a series of events that she would soon regret; nevertheless, it raises questions about the justification of her actions and whether she acted in the best interest of her country.
India is still engaged in an ongoing debate regarding these issues. Hindus (Non-Sikhs) maintain that the Sikhs were a security threat and displayed inappropriate behavior. Conversely, Sikhs argue that Indira Gandhi’s actions were never justified and she had the intention of completely suppressing their community. As a consequence of Operation Blue Star being carried out, Indira Gandhi paid the ultimate price on October 31, 1984, when two Sikh bodyguards assassinated her in New Delhi.
Gandhi made the decision to keep her two Sikh bodyguards despite suggestions to dismiss them following Operation Blue Star, as she believed that removing them would send a negative message and had a strong trust in their loyalty. However, these bodyguards were influenced and mentally manipulated by Sikh extremists who eventually convinced them to assassinate Gandhi. The night prior to her assassination, Gandhi expressed her willingness to sacrifice her life for the nation, stating that each drop of her blood would rejuvenate the country. Consequently, Indihar Gandhi’s actions not only resulted in her own death but also tarnished her family’s political reputation.
Indihar was born into Jawaharlal Nehru’s family – one of India’s liberation leaders and former Prime Minister. Following Indihar’s demise, Rajiv Gandhi succeeded her as prime minister. Currently, Sonia Gandhi – Rajiv’s wife – serves as Congress president while their son Rahul Gandhi holds a parliamentary seat along with other members of the family.
