Senior Congress leader and former Home Minister P. Chidambaram has sparked political controversy with his recent statement on Operation Blue Star, calling it a "mistake" and criticizing the method used to reclaim the Golden Temple.

Speaking at an event in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, Chidambaram remarked, “I do not intend to disrespect the military, but the way the Golden Temple was taken back was incorrect. Later, we handled a similar situation more effectively without involving the army.” He further added, “Operation Blue Star was a mistake, and Indira Gandhi paid the ultimate price for it with her life.”

Chidambaram also defended the late Prime Minister by emphasizing that the decision was not hers alone. “It was a collective call made by the military, intelligence agencies, police, and senior bureaucrats. Can we really blame only Indira Gandhi for it?” he questioned.

His statement has triggered backlash from political rivals and religious bodies. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) have both strongly criticized the Congress party, accusing it of politicizing sensitive religious issues.

The timing of the comment is particularly significant as Punjab's political landscape remains deeply affected by historical events tied to religious sentiments. Chidambaram’s remarks have not only intensified political discourse but also highlighted internal rifts within the Congress party.