India, June 11 -- NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar on Wednesday criticised Maharashtra water resources minister Girish Mahajan for his remarks against former prime minister Indira Gandhi and Operation Blue Star. He said speeches like Mahajan's could tarnish the image of the country.

Pawar also defended the Nehru-Gandhi family while responding to remarks made by Mahajan, who had described Operation Blue Star as a "black day". Mahajan also referred to those killed during the military action as "martyrs" and criticised then prime minister Indira Gandhi, who had ordered military action against militants holed up in the Golden temple in Amritsar. He made these remarks at an event to commemorate the anniversary of Operation Blue Star in Amritsa...