New Delhi: In a dramatic showdown during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi brandished an unpublished manuscript purportedly authored by former Army Chief General M M Naravane, accusing the Modi government of suppressing critical military insights. Gandhi declared he would personally hand over the memoir to Prime Minister Narendra Modi if the PM graces the Lok Sabha, intensifying the opposition’s offensive on national security and transparency.
Waving the thick sheaf of papers from his seat amid chaotic disruptions, Gandhi thundered, “This is General Naravane’s memoir. It reveals truths the government wants hidden. PM ji, if you come to the House, I’ll give it to you.” The gesture, captured live on parliamentary feeds, sparked immediate uproar, with BJP members protesting vehemently while opposition benches cheered. Speaker Om Birla adjourned proceedings briefly to restore order.
Gandhi waved the document during Question Hour amid protests from treasury benches, prompting Speaker Om Birla to adjourn the House briefly.
The controversy centers on General Naravane’s tenure as Chief of Army Staff from December 2019 to April 2022, a period marked by the Galwan Valley clash with China in 2020 and heightened border tensions. Naravane’s official memoir, “Four Stars of Destiny”, published last year, faced censorship claims after the defence ministry sought pre-publication clearance and allegedly blocked sensitive chapters. Gandhi claimed the document in his possession contains unredacted details on these events, including alleged operational lapses and government interference in military decisions.
“This isn’t just a book; it’s evidence of how the PM’s regime muzzles our armed forces,” Gandhi posted on X post-event, tagging Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Congress allies like the TMC and Samajwadi Party echoed the call, demanding Naravane’s testimony and a special parliamentary panel probe.
BJP countered sharply. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh dismissed it as “political theatre,” asserting all memoirs undergo mandatory security vetting under protocol. “Rahul Gandhi’s antics disrespect our soldiers and institutions,” Singh said outside Parliament. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra accused Gandhi of compromising national security for votes, urging the Congress scion to submit the manuscript to authorities rather than “grandstand.”
Legal experts note that unpublished military memoirs fall under the Official Secrets Act, raising questions on how Gandhi obtained it. Naravane has remained silent, but sources close to him indicate the full text awaits clearance.
