Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram has triggered a political storm with his recent remarks on Operation Bluestar, calling the 1984 military action a “mistake” and stating that then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi paid with her life for it. The statement, made during the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival in Kasauli on October 11, 2025, has deeply upset the Congress high command, with party insiders describing the leadership as “very agitated” and “embarrassed” by the public commentary.
Chidambaram’s comments have not only reignited historical debates but also exposed fresh fault lines within the Congress party. According to sources, the leadership believes that senior leaders must exercise restraint and responsibility, especially when speaking on sensitive national issues that carry emotional and political weight. The timing of the remark—just months ahead of key state elections—has further complicated matters for the party’s public messaging.
🧠 Highlights of Chidambaram’s Operation Bluestar Statement
| Statement Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Khushwant Singh Literary Festival, Kasauli |
| Date | October 11, 2025 |
| Key Quote | “Operation Bluestar was wrong… Indira Gandhi paid the price.” |
| Context | Discussion on civil-military decisions in Indian history |
| Reaction from Congress | “Very upset,” “embarrassed,” “not acceptable” |
Chidambaram also suggested that a later operation to retrieve the Golden Temple was handled more appropriately without involving the Army, further fueling controversy.
📊 Timeline of Political Fallout
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| Oct 11, 2025 | Chidambaram makes controversial remark |
| Oct 12, 2025 | Congress leadership expresses internal discontent |
| Oct 13, 2025 | BJP and AAP seize on remarks, demand accountability |
| Oct 14, 2025 | Congress likely to issue internal advisory to senior leaders |
The BJP termed the remark an “admission of guilt” and asked whether Congress would act against Chidambaram for “speaking the truth.”
🗣️ Reactions from Political Circles
- Congress Sources: “Senior leaders must not make statements that embarrass the party. This cannot become a habit.”
- BJP Spokesperson: “Will Congress punish Chidambaram for exposing their false narrative?”
- AAP Leaders: “This is proof that Congress has always misled the nation on Bluestar.”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| Congress Leadership | Deeply upset, considering internal advisory |
| BJP & AAP | Amplified criticism, demanded action |
| Media Analysts | Viewed as a strategic blunder |
| Sikh Community Leaders | Mixed responses, some welcomed the honesty |
The controversy has also revived discussions on civil-military relations, historical accountability, and political legacy management.
🧾 Operation Bluestar: Historical Context
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | June 1–8, 1984 |
| Objective | Flush out armed militants from Golden Temple |
| Key Figure | Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale |
| Casualties | Hundreds, including civilians and soldiers |
| Aftermath | Indira Gandhi assassinated on Oct 31, 1984 |
The operation remains one of the most controversial chapters in India’s post-independence history.
🧭 Strategic Implications for Congress
- Internal Discipline: Likely issuance of advisory to senior leaders
- Public Messaging: Need for damage control ahead of elections
- Historical Narrative: Risk of reopening wounds within Sikh electorate
- Leadership Cohesion: Pressure on Rahul Gandhi to address internal dissent
The party may also consider a formal clarification or distancing itself from Chidambaram’s personal views.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified political statements, media reports, and public reactions as of October 13, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute political endorsement, historical judgment, or legal opinion and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
