Amritsar: Mrs Gandhi's Last Battle

Its a book everyone interested in Punjab and Punjab's history as well as future shall read to know how politics is played with sentiments and can destroy entire nation, generation. What happened in Punjab and who were the players is clearly outlined. Book do not becomes even once as it criticizes Govt. of Punjab, Central Govt , Bhindranwale , Tohra, Longowal as well as Badals who are now cruising in the Ship of Bhindranwale at the same time do not leaves Military for its atrocities as well as the limitation they had in dealing the situation which was out of control.

Extremely well written book. Full of fascinating insights into the events leading up to operation blue star. I had no idea that Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was a creation of the Congress, as was some of the political dysfunction in the Punjab.The events before, during, and after operation blue star validated everything Sant Jarnail Singh said about position/treatment of Sikhs in India.So glad that to see Sikhs leaving this hell hole and fulfilling their manifest destiny outside India (Canada, UK, Australia).

Usually Mark Tully’s books on India are almost perfect. He does not take sides, but is extremely objective in the analysis. This book is no different... a very complicated and an extremely sad chapter in Indian history is very well documented...

This was a difficult period for India. The book shows how the political leadership behaved, particularly Mrs.Indira Gandhi. It achieves the difficult mean between maintaining an emotional link with the subject and also maintaining a journalistic objectivity.Recommended reading for all those who wish well for India and want to understand that period

if u want to know what was good & what was wrong? I will suggest this book.There is no partiality in this book,it shows both sides of a coin. very nicely written, couldn't stop myself reading once I started. amazing.....just go for it if u want to see reality of that time

Good read. The writers have come up with credible research to wite this book. Coming from people who saw operation Blue star from a close distance and spoke to the important stake holders makes this an important document of history.

Does not have the accurate or not even close account about Sikh's history before and after independence.The facts are manipulated to undermine the Sikh history, achievements. It also tries to undermine the Sikh religion by trying to portrait that Sikh gurus took ideas from Hinduism and Muslin religion.Sikh is totally a separate religion with nothing common with any of these.There is no truth about the reason of attack on Golden temple Amritsar the way it is described in the bookIt is a one sided book that caters the ambitions of the powerful politicians.

So much of details are very hard to find in a single place. It does seem a very neutral and unbiased views. Very well explained.

Book is awesome...

Great read.

“ AMRITSAR Mrs Gandhi’s Last Battle “ by two veteran BBC correspondents , Mark Tully and Satish Jacob . In fact , I read this novel third time in last 30 years . 1st time in 1993 . Novel gives insight of Khalistan movement of 1980’s and Blue star operations and its aftermath.Interesting details how Mrs Gandhi with the help of Sanjay Gandhi & Gyani Zail Singh planted Bhinderwale to counter Akali Dal for her political benefits. Story of how Zail Singh shielded Bhidarwale and he used this protection to create a fortified fort with all modern arms & ammunition inside the holy place in Amritsar. The blind rage in the name of Khalistan forced Mrs Gandhi to order one of the most unplanned operation in the history of Indian Army “ Operation Blue Star “ . The Aftermath resulted into totally uncontrolled mutiny in Army in their units at Ramgarh & Ganganagar . Worth a read .

A balanced and comprehensive work on the events that led to Mrs Gandhi's assasination.A matter of fact writing without taking anybody's side. The book begins by giving a background of Sikh history and how politics evolved in the land of Punjab. The birth and rise of Bhindranwale and how he was initially used as a political pawn is told very well.Three months after the death of Mrs Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi's government reached an accord whose terms were exactly the same as what was demanded 3 years before by the Akalis. Had it been accepted the desecration of the Golden Temple and the assassination of Mrs Gandhi could have been avoided. What was needed was clear minds, absence of ego and a will to find a third way. But politics took centre stage and a bloody history was created. Sadly.Very well written book but it is marred by too many spelling and grammatical errors.5/5 for the book and 1/5 for the quality of book.

A sheer unput downable tale - gr8 journalistic telling of a grim crisis that rocked modern India, threatening her very existence.A must read!