Operation Blue Star radicalized many Sikhs in India, leading to a surge in Sikh militancy and violence and ultimately culminating in the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Indira Gandhi, a prominent Indian politician and the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister, was assassinated by her own bodyguards on October 31, 1984. Born on November 19, 1917, she became a central figure in Indian politics, eventually following in her father’s footsteps to become prime minister. The trust she placed in her Sikh bodyguards, following Operation Blue Star, would prove to be a fatal mistake.
To understand Gandhi’s assassination, it’s essential to examine the backgrounds and motivations of her assailants. Gandhi was India’s third and only female prime minister, serving from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984.
As a central figure of the Indian National Congress, she was both admired for her leadership and criticized for her authoritarian approach. She played a significant role in Indian politics and is often cited as a trailblazer for women in the country. Over her 17-year career, whether in office or not, Gandhi was deeply involved in the independence movement and worked closely with her father, Jawaharlal Nehru, serving as his assistant when he was prime minister. In 1959, she also served as president of the Indian National Congress.
Gandhi rose to power suddenly after Lal Bahadur Shastri’s death in 1966. At the start of her leadership, India faced significant economic hardships, including high inflation and food shortages. The agricultural sector was vulnerable due to its dependence on the monsoon seasons and aid from the U.S. Gandhi dedicated much of her tenure to overcoming these issues and directed India toward economic resilience. By 1980, under her leadership, India had become self-reliant with a grain surplus and notable industrial progress.
Significant milestones during her leadership included the 1971 War with Pakistan, the formation of Bangladesh, and the establishment of India as a potential nuclear power. These achievements bolstered India’s self-esteem. However, her tenure ended with her assassination, leaving behind a legacy of both accomplishments and unresolved tensions. Indian society was divided about her; some called her “Mother Indira,” while others viewed her as authoritarian. Henry Kissinger described her as an Iron Lady, a nickname that became associated with her tough personality. Nonetheless, her leadership significantly shaped India and set the course for its future.
Gandhi’s time as prime minister was marred by increasing tensions with Sikh separatists, culminating in Operation Blue Star. This military operation in June 1984 aimed to remove militant Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his followers from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The militants’ substantial armaments led to a heavy-handed military response, including the use of artillery. The conflict ended on June 10, with the army seizing control of the temple. However, the operation, coinciding with a significant Sikh religious event, resulted in numerous civilian deaths and worldwide condemnation from Sikhs who saw it as an attack on their religious community. The repercussions of Operation Blue Star severely damaged Gandhi’s standing with Sikhs and eventually led to her assassination.
On October 31, 1984, Gandhi was assassinated by her bodyguards, including Beant Singh, who was considered a favorite. Despite plans to reassign Sikh bodyguards, including Singh, Gandhi canceled the transfer to avoid appearing anti-Sikh. On the morning of her assassination, Gandhi was advised to wear a bulletproof vest, but she chose not to. As she walked through a gate towards an interview, Singh shot her three times in the abdomen with his .38 revolver, and another bodyguard, Satwant Singh, fired 30 rounds from his submachine gun. Border Police subsequently killed Beant Singh, and Satwant Singh was tried and executed in 1989. Following her death, Gandhi’s son, Rajiv Gandhi, succeeded her as prime minister of India.