Row erupts over Maharashtra Minister’s remark on Operation Blue Star; BJP leaders express strong objection
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), June 10, 2026: A fresh political controversy has erupted after Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan described Operation Blue Star as a “military attack” and referred to those killed during the 1984 operation as “martyrs” during a public address in Punjab.
The remarks have triggered sharp reactions in political circles, with several BJP leaders in Punjab reportedly distancing themselves from the statement and choosing not to comment on the sensitive issue.
Remarks Made During Religious Event
According to sources, Girish Mahajan, along with Dr. Rameshwar Naik, OSD to the Maharashtra Chief Minister, attended a special event organised by a religious group in Mehta to mark the anniversary of Operation Blue Star.
Addressing the gathering, Mahajan stated that June 6, 1984, was a day that could never be forgotten, adding that a “military assault” was carried out on a sacred religious site, resulting in the loss of thousands of innocent lives. His use of terms such as “attack” and “martyrs” has now become the centre of the political debate.
BJP Punjab Leadership Maintains Silence
Following the controversy, the statement reportedly put the Punjab BJP leadership in an uncomfortable position. When contacted, senior state leaders including General Secretary Anil Sarin and Media Incharge Vineet Joshi said they were not aware of the remarks and declined to comment.
The silence from the state leadership has further added to speculation about internal discomfort within the party over the issue.
Lakshmi Kanta Chawla Writes to BJP High Command
Amid the growing controversy, senior BJP leader and former Punjab Cabinet Minister Prof. Lakshmi Kanta Chawla has strongly objected to Mahajan’s remarks.
Taking serious note of the statement, she has written to the BJP central leadership demanding clarification. Chawla has urged the party high command to take cognisance of the issue and clearly define its official stand on Operation Blue Star, given its continued political and emotional sensitivity.
The controversy has once again brought Operation Blue Star into political focus, a subject that remains deeply sensitive in Punjab’s socio-political landscape.
With objections emerging from within the party ranks and silence from key leaders, the issue is expected to pose a significant challenge for the BJP in the coming days as it attempts to manage its official position and public perception on the matter.