Chandigarh: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s book Belonging: A Journey of Love has triggered a political controversy in Punjab, with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) questioning the Congress over the 1984 anti-Sikh violence and the legacy of Operation Blue Star.
SAD has claimed that Sonia Gandhi’s book discusses former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s emotional state after Operation Blue Star, including her reaction to photographs showing the damage caused to the Golden Temple complex.
Sonia Gandhi has also written that Indira Gandhi appeared to have a premonition of her death and had spoken to her about it before she was killed.
Reacting to the account, SAD chief spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler questioned whether Indira Gandhi had ever asked the Congress to allow the massacre of Sikhs on the streets of Delhi and the public rape of women following Operation Blue Star.
Kler said the Congress was rubbing salt into the wounds of the Sikh community by publishing such emotional accounts. He alleged that Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were responsible for the events that unfolded against the Sikhs.
What Sonia Gandhi has written about Indira Gandhi
Indira broke down after seeing photographs: In an interview about her book, Sonia Gandhi said Indira Gandhi became deeply distressed and cried after being shown photographs of the destruction inside the Golden Temple complex during Operation Blue Star.
Acknowledgement of Sikh sentiments: Sonia Gandhi acknowledged in the book that the military operation was deeply painful for the Sikh community. The Golden Temple complex suffered extensive damage, while devotees and militants were killed during the operation.
Death threats after Operation Blue Star: According to the account, Indira Gandhi began receiving repeated death threats soon after the operation, creating an atmosphere of tension.
Preparing the family for her death: Sonia Gandhi wrote that Indira appeared to sense that she might be killed and began speaking to family members about what could happen after her death.
Message to Rahul Gandhi: Indira reportedly told her grandson Rahul Gandhi that if anything happened to her, he would have to remain brave and not cry.
Kashmir trip as a possible farewell: Sonia Gandhi also suggested that Indira’s trip to Kashmir with her grandchildren in the summer of 1984 may have been her way of saying goodbye to them.
