Which statement best explains why Indira Gandhi was harshly criticized

during her time as India's prime minister?

O

A. She attempted to conquer surrounding countries like East

Pakistan.

O

B. She enacted policies that reduced the jobs available for farmers.

O

C. She violently suppressed a Sikh independence movement.

O

D. She led a revolt against Great Britain known as the Green

Revolution

C. She violently suppressed a Sikh independence movement.

Explanation:

The supression of the Sikh movement for independence caused much resentment, especially in the state of Punjab and among Sikh communities around the world.

What infuriated the Sikhs was the military attack on the Golden Temple complex at Amritsar, the sacrest place of Sikhism, on June 6, 1984. A Sikh fundamentalist religious leader, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, had turned the temple complex into a fortress and called for a separate state, Khalistan. Indira Ghandi opted for a force solution and launched Operation Blue Star. Akal Takht, one of the main buildings, was the target of tanks and was heavily damaged.

Six months after the bloody operation, Indira Ghandi was assasinated by two of her bodyguards. They were Sikhs and were outraged for her orders to send the army to the complex.