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Indian Express
2 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Operation Blue Star: Reading between the lines of a deleted social media post by Punjab BJP
In a move that has stirred political debate, the Punjab unit of the BJP on June 1 posted, and deleted within four hours, a Facebook tribute referring to 'all' those killed during Operation Blue Star as 'martyrs' – a first for the party in the 40-plus years since the military operation inside the Golden Temple. The now-deleted post, written in Punjabi, read: 'A tribute to all the martyrs who lost their lives on the first day of the attack carried out by the Congress government on the Darbar Sahib.' The accompanying image featured archival visuals of Indian Army tanks inside the Golden Temple complex and damage to the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, in the operation. The Punjab BJP has traditionally treaded a thin line over Operation Blue Star, balancing the sentiments of former ally Shiromani Akali Dal and the party's own 'nationalistic', Hindutva stand. The use of emotionally charged terminology like 'martyrs' in the context of Operation Blue Star hence stands out. Urging that not much be read into the deleted post, a senior BJP leader told The Indian Express that the party only meant to invoke the 'dark and painful chapter in Indian history'. Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar said the focus should be on the party's 'intentions' rather than the wording of the post. 'One should look at the intent of putting balm on the wounds of the 1984 riot victims, not just the content,' Jakhar said, pointing to the Delhi BJP government's actions regarding the victims of the anti-Sikh riots. The violence had followed Indira Gandhi's assassination over her role in ordering Operation Blue Star as the Prime Minister. 'Our actions speak louder than words. Just last week, the Delhi Chief Minister gave jobs to 125 family members of 1984 riot victims – something no one did in the past. It was a historic step,' Jakhar said. Asked why the post was removed by the BJP, Jakhar said: 'Sometimes social media handlers post content without proper approval of the leadership. There might have been something in the post that needed correction. However, the overall intent of the party should be the focus.' In fact, the BJP has been pretty consistent in its condemnation of the Congress government's role, even as it defended Operation Blue Star as a necessary military action to eliminate terrorism and restore order in Punjab. The party believes it were failures of the Congress government that led to the situation where militants holed up inside the Golden Temple, leaving little recourse but Army action. In Punjab, the BJP line has been more modulated, keeping in mind regional sensitivities and Sikh sentiments. Hence, it has occasionally expressed sympathy for those killed in the operation, without directly criticising the Army. The fact that the Akali Dal always strongly condemned the operation also influenced this positioning. However, within these limitations as well, the BJP has been sharpening its attack against the Congress on the military action. In 2009, Arun Jaitley, the late BJP leader and then the party's general secretary, called Operation Blue Star a 'historic blunder' at a press conference in Jalandhar ahead of the general elections. In August 2023, during a debate on the no-confidence motion moved against his government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the operation 'an attack on the Akal Takht'. It was the first time the party used that framing, largely used by Sikh voices, to describe the operation. Attacking Congress governments of the past, Modi drew parallels between the 1984 operation and the Indian Air Force's bombing in Mizoram in 1966. 'They (the Congress government) had become used to such actions since Mizoram, and that mindset led to the Akal Takht being attacked,' he said. The BJP's now-deleted post has also drawn attention since it coincided with the anniversary of the Operation Blue Star, which began on June 1 – the BJP has traditionally maintained its distance from events held to mark it. BJP rivals link both the sharing of the post and its prompt deletion to the coming Ludhiana West Assembly bypoll. The Aam Aadmi Party candidate contesting the seat is currently a Rajya Sabha MP, and if he wins the bypoll, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal could take the parliamentary seat that falls vacant. While the BJP has made inroads with the Hindu votes in Punjab, it is Sikh support that is crucial if the party wants to make it alone in the state, and the controversial post is being seen in this light. Jakhar lists the many steps taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi showing his 'deep respect for Punjab and Punjabis', including the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, commemoration of Guru Nanak Dev's 500th anniversary and Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom, and the declaration of Veer Bal Diwas to honour the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh's sons, apart from 'justice' for the 1984 riot victims. 'These steps reflect the PM's priority for Punjab and its people,' Jakhar said. Surjit Singh, the president of the 1984 Riot Victims' Welfare Society in Punjab, acknowledged the BJP government's efforts to support riot victims, but questioned the timing and subsequent deletion of the June 1 post by the BJP. 'They may have done it keeping in mind the Ludhiana West bypoll, wanting to appeal to voters across communities,' he said, adding that all parties 'use such strategies during elections'. Akali Dal spokesperson Daljeet Singh Cheema attacked the BJP, saying the party needed to explain its actions in putting up and then deleting the post.
News18
2 days ago
- General
- News18
'Insulted Every Soldier's Widow': Punjab CM's Op Sindoor Jibe At PM Modi Draws BJP Fury
Last Updated: Mann on Tuesday stirred controversy with a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi while commenting on Operation Sindoor Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday stirred controversy with a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi while commenting on Operation Sindoor, drawing sharp criticism from the BJP. Speaking to the media after a cabinet meeting in Chandigarh, Mann took a jibe at the BJP's campaign around the operation and questioned the symbolic use of sindoor, a traditional symbol of marriage worn by many Hindu women. 'What can we do about it? You are asking for votes in the name of sindoor," Mann said. 'Sindoor is now being used as a joke. They're saying they'll send sindoor to every household, he said. 'If sindoor is sent to your home, will you wear it in Modi's name? Is this one nation, one husband? Is that the scheme?" The comment drew immediate and sharp criticism from the BJP, with the party's Chandigarh unit slamming the Chief Minister in a lengthy post on social media platform X. 'Bhagwant Mann just mocked Operation Sindoor, asking: 'Will you wear sindoor in Modi's name? Is this One Nation, One Husband?" This isn't satire. This is vulgarity dressed as leadership," the BJP post said. The party further explained that Operation Sindoor was launched after Hindu women were specifically targeted by terrorists and identified by their sindoor. 'Let's be clear: Operation Sindoor was launched after Hindu women were targeted by terrorists, identified by their sindoor. It was about justice for the innocent, not a joke." 'But how would Bhagwant Mann understand? A man who: Abandoned his first wife and children Mocks martyrdom Insults Veer Naris and the Indian Army Mocks sacred symbols women wear with pride," the post continued. Punjab BJP's chief spokesperson, Pritpal Singh Baliawal, also reacted strongly, calling Mann's comment 'shamelessness wearing a CM's turban." 'You haven't insulted BJP, Mr. Mann — You've insulted every soldier's widow, every grieving wife, and the spirit of Bharat. Bhagwant Mann must RESIGN immediately and APOLOGISE to the entire nation," Baliawal stated. Operation Sindoor was India's military response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April, in which 26 civilians were killed. In a pre-dawn strike on 7 May, Indian armed forces targeted nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Key targets included Jaish-e-Mohammad's base in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's headquarters in Muridke.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Punjab BJP deletes tribute post for those killed during Operation Bluestar
The Punjab BJP has deleted a social media post in which it paid tributes to "martyrs" of Operation Blue Star, the Army operation which was carried out in June 1984 to flush out armed militants from the Golden Temple. The post on X was shared on Sunday but it was taken down later without assigning any reason for the same. In the post, the Punjab BJP had condemned the then Congress government for "attacking the Golden Temple" and expressed solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives. The post, which has now been deleted, read, "June 1, 1984'?' 'Saka Neela Tara'. A humble tribute to all the martyrs of the day one of the attack on the Darbar Sahib by the Congress government." In a statement, Gargaj stated, "In June 1984, when Sikh devotees had gathered to observe the martyrdom day of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, the then Congress-led government launched a military assault using tanks, artillery, and bullets on the central Sikh religious place, Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib, and Sri Akal Takht Sahib." He said, "the Sikh community can never forget the military attack of June 1984. "The first week of June each year is a deeply emotional and solemn time for the 'Panth', when martyrs are remembered," he said. The jathedar urged that from June 1 to 6, special 'Gurmat Samagams' (religious congregations), lectures, and seminars should be organised globally by Sikhs. He also instructed all gurdwara management committees to hold special Sri Akhand Path Sahib recitations and invite historians and preachers to gurdwaras to educate 'sangat' (congregation) about the events of June 1984 and November 1984 (anti-Sikh riots).
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Punjab BJP deletes post paying tributes to those killed during Operation Bluestar
NEW DELHI: The Punjab BJP recently deleted social media posts that paid tributes to "martyrs" of Operation Blue Star , a 1984 military operation at the Golden Temple. The party had shared posts on X and Facebook condemning the then Congress government's actions, but removed them within hours without explanation. The deleted post on X read, "June 1, 1984 'Saka Neela Tara'. A humble tribute to all the martyrs of the day one of the attack on the Darbar Sahib by the Congress government." The BJP's social media posts included images showing damage to the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, and an armoured vehicle with deflated tires. Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, the officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht, has called upon the Sikh community to observe the first week of June as 'Shaheedi Hafta' (martyrdom week). "In June 1984, when Sikh devotees had gathered to observe the martyrdom day of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, the then Congress-led government launched a military assault using tanks, artillery, and bullets on the central Sikh religious place, Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib, and Sri Akal Takht Sahib," Gargaj stated. "The Sikh community can never forget the military attack of June 1984. The first week of June each year is a deeply emotional and solemn time for the 'Panth', when martyrs are remembered," he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo The Jathedar has urged Sikhs worldwide to organize special 'Gurmat Samagams' (religious congregations), lectures, and seminars during June 1-6. He has also directed all gurdwara management committees to conduct special Sri Akhand Path Sahib recitations and invite historians and preachers to educate the 'sangat' (congregation) about the events of June 1984 and November 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
The Print
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Punjab BJP deletes post paying tributes to those killed during Operation Bluestar
In the post, the Punjab BJP had condemned the then Congress government for 'attacking the Golden Temple' and expressed solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives. The post on X was shared on Sunday but it was taken down later without assigning any reason for the same. Chandigarh, Jun 2 (PTI) The Punjab BJP has deleted a social media post in which it paid tributes to 'martyrs' of Operation Blue Star, the Army operation which was carried out in June 1984 to flush out armed militants from the Golden Temple. The post, which has now been deleted, read, 'June 1, 1984'' 'Saka Neela Tara'. A humble tribute to all the martyrs of the day one of the attack on the Darbar Sahib by the Congress government.' The BJP had also shared pictures of the damage suffered by the Akal Takht, which is the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, and an armoured vehicle with deflated tyres. The post, which was shared on Facebook as well, was deleted a few hours later. Meanwhile, officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj has appealed to the Sikh community to commemorate the first week of June, which he described it as 'Shaheedi Hafta' (martyrdom week), with the 'spirit of Panthic unity and pay respectful homage to the martyrs.' In a statement, Gargaj stated, 'In June 1984, when Sikh devotees had gathered to observe the martyrdom day of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, the then Congress-led government launched a military assault using tanks, artillery, and bullets on the central Sikh religious place, Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib, and Sri Akal Takht Sahib.' He said, 'the Sikh community can never forget the military attack of June 1984. 'The first week of June each year is a deeply emotional and solemn time for the 'Panth', when martyrs are remembered,' he said. The jathedar urged that from June 1 to 6, special 'Gurmat Samagams' (religious congregations), lectures, and seminars should be organised globally by Sikhs. He also instructed all gurdwara management committees to hold special Sri Akhand Path Sahib recitations and invite historians and preachers to gurdwaras to educate 'sangat' (congregation) about the events of June 1984 and November 1984 (anti-Sikh riots). PTI CHS VSD DV DV This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
