Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Harshvardhan Sapkal has demanded the immediate removal of Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Girish Mahajan from both the state cabinet and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that his remarks on Operation Blue Star were irresponsible, anti-national, and an insult to the Indian Armed Forces.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Sapkal said Mahajan’s comments made in Amritsar regarding Operation Blue Star undermined India’s fight against terrorism and questioned a military operation that was undertaken to safeguard the country’s unity and national security.
“Operation Blue Star was not an action against any religion, but a difficult and necessary military operation conducted by the Indian Army against armed Khalistani terrorists who were plotting to divide the country,” Sapkal said.
He stated that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had taken the decision to launch the operation despite being fully aware of the risks to her own life, placing national unity and integrity above all else. Sapkal noted that Gandhi was later assassinated by Khalistani extremists. He also recalled the sacrifice of General Arun Kumar Vaidya, who led the operation and was subsequently killed by terrorists.
“By questioning Operation Blue Star, Girish Mahajan is insulting the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives for the country’s unity and integrity,” Sapkal alleged.
The Congress leader further claimed that Mahajan’s remarks exposed what he described as the “anti-national mindset” of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
“Had Indira Gandhi not undertaken Operation Blue Star, the country could have been fragmented. It is highly objectionable and condemnable that Mahajan is casting doubts even on the sacrifices made by Indira Gandhi for the nation’s integrity,” Sapkal said.
Referring to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Sapkal pointed out that Doval had also been associated with security operations linked to the mission.
“Will Girish Mahajan condemn Ajit Doval’s role as well? Does he have the courage to demand his removal from the post of National Security Advisor?” Sapkal asked.
Sapkal further alleged that by comparing the Indian Army’s operation with the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali, Mahajan had insulted the Armed Forces and attempted to glorify Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
“Creating sympathy for those who took up arms against the country’s sovereignty is a matter of serious concern,” he said.
The MPCC chief also sought clarification from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on whether Mahajan’s remarks, allegedly made while attending an event that glorified Bhindranwale as a representative of the state government, reflected the Maharashtra government’s official position.
He questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Fadnavis agreed with Mahajan’s views.
“If they do not endorse Mahajan’s remarks, they should publicly condemn them and apologise to the nation and the Indian Armed Forces.
Otherwise, Mahajan’s stand will be perceived as the BJP’s official position,” Sapkal said.
Alleging that BJP leaders were willing to compromise on national security and unity for political gains, Sapkal demanded that Mahajan immediately apologise to the country and the Armed Forces for his remarks.
He also urged the BJP’s central leadership to condemn the statement and initiate strict action against the minister.
