The Indian Parliament has been embroiled in a heated controversy following Rahul Gandhi's attempt to quote from the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane, titled "Four Stars of Destiny". The未released book reportedly contains revelations about critical events, including the 2020 India-China border standoff in Ladakh.
Gandhi's actions triggered a fierce political showdown with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju leading the charge in countering Gandhi's claims. Rijiju cited historical events and invoked parliamentary rules to target Nehru and question Gandhi's conduct.
The Controversy in Parliament
On Monday, February 2, 2026, during a debate in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote from "Four Stars of Destiny," specifically referencing Chinese troop movements in August 2020. He claimed the manuscript suggested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top leaders failed to provide clear instructions as Chinese tanks advanced towards Indian positions.
Treasury bench members vehemently objected, arguing that citing an unpublished work violated parliamentary rules. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh demanded Gandhi present the book, emphasizing its unofficial status. Speaker Om Birla intervened, referring to Rule 349 and Rule 353 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, which govern the standards of conduct and procedure expected of Members of Parliament during debates. Rule 349(i) states that a member shall not read any book, newspaper, or letter unless it is directly connected with the matter at hand.
The ensuing uproar led to multiple adjournments and the suspension of eight Congress lawmakers for disorderly conduct. BJP members accused Gandhi of undermining the military and misleading Parliament, while Gandhi defended his source's authenticity. Outside Parliament, Gandhi displayed a copy of the manuscript, alleging it revealed the Prime Minister delegated critical decisions to the army chief during the Ladakh crisis.
Rijiju's Retort and Historical Context
Kiren Rijiju countered Gandhi's claims by invoking historical context and questioning the Congress party's past leadership. He alluded to the Henderson Brooks-Bhagat Commission report on the 1962 Sino-Indian War, which purportedly criticized the Nehru government for India's defeat but has remained classified since its creation. Rijiju suggested that the current government, led by a "matured leader," handles sensitive defense matters with greater responsibility, implying a contrast with past administrations.
The Content of Naravane's Memoir
While the exact content of "Four Stars of Destiny" remains unverified due to its unpublished status, reports suggest it details critical moments during the 2020 Ladakh standoff. According to excerpts published in The Caravan magazine, the memoir recounts an incident on August 31, 2020, when Chinese tanks advanced towards Indian positions on the Kailash Range. The memoir allegedly reveals that General Naravane's superiors did not provide clear directives on whether to open fire, despite the escalating situation.
The book was slated for release in April 2024 but has been delayed due to the need for clearances from the Union defence and external affairs ministries. It has reportedly disappeared from online platforms as it awaits government approval.
Political Fallout
The Naravane memoir row has intensified the political discourse surrounding the India-China border situation and crisis management. The BJP has accused Rahul Gandhi of politicizing defense matters and disrespecting parliamentary procedures. The Congress party, on the other hand, alleges the government is suppressing the memoir to conceal uncomfortable truths about its handling of the border crisis. The incident has raised questions about transparency, accountability, and the appropriate use of sensitive information in parliamentary debates.