Sonia Gandhi says Indira Gandhi was shaken by Operation Blue Star
In short
Sonia Gandhi said Indira Gandhi was upset after seeing footage from Operation Blue Star and its aftermath at the Golden Temple. The account says Indira tried to negotiate first, but later ordered military action when a declaration of Khalistan was feared.
The operation caused destruction and deaths, and it led to anger in the Sikh community.
What the reporting says
Sonia Gandhi said Indira Gandhi was deeply affected while watching footage of Operation Blue Star and the aftermath at the Golden Temple. The memoir-based account says she saw the violence and loss of life after the siege, and had tried to negotiate before ordering military action when a declaration of Khalistan was feared. The operation angered the Sikh community and created major political fallout for Indira Gandhi.
Why it matters
Sonia Gandhi’s memoir-based remarks describe Indira Gandhi’s reaction to Operation Blue Star and its impact at the Golden Temple. The account says Indira had tried to negotiate before ordering military action amid fears of a Khalistan declaration. It also says the operation led to violence, destruction and anger in the Sikh community, creating serious political challenges for her.