MUMBAI, 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 Amritsar on June 6. While underlining his respect for the Sikh community, Pawar said certain historical events could not be ignored. "Some people misled young minds with extremist ideologies and pushed them down a different path. Many killings took place as a result," he said at a gathering organised to mark the 27th foundation day of the NCP, in Mumbai on Wednesday. The NCP (SP) chief also said India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru cannot be compared with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arguing that Nehru's role in the freedom struggle and nation-building transcends the length of his tenure in office. He was responding to the BJP's celebration on Modi completing 4,399 consecutive days in office as of June 10, 2026, thereby surpassing Nehru's record of 4,398 days. The NCP faction led by Sunetra Pawar will celebrate its foundation day on Thursday....