Naravane Clarifies on Memoir Status After Political Row Over Rahul Gandhi Allegation

Former Army Chief General Manoj Naravane has publicly clarified that his memoir, Four Stars of Destiny, has not been published in any format, responding to controversy triggered by excerpts circulating online and cited in Parliament. Quoting a statement from publisher Penguin Random House India, Naravane said no printed or digital copies of the book have been released or distributed.

The clarification followed a heated exchange in Parliament after opposition leader Rahul Gandhi referred to passages allegedly drawn from the manuscript, claiming they pointed to political interference in military decision-making. The remarks prompted strong protests from the ruling BJP, which accused the opposition of spreading misinformation and misusing unverified material for political gain.

Soon after, Delhi Police registered an FIR related to the unauthorized circulation of what are believed to be draft excerpts, invoking provisions linked to intellectual property and possible national security sensitivities. Officials have not publicly detailed the sections under investigation but confirmed that the matter concerns leaked unpublished material.

The episode has triggered a wider debate over the boundaries between transparency, free speech, and the handling of sensitive defense-related narratives. Supporters of Naravane’s statement argue the clarification was necessary to prevent the politicization of incomplete or unauthenticated content. Critics, however, question whether the controversy reflects growing pressure around military memoirs and public accountability.

Defense analysts note that memoirs by former service chiefs often undergo layered vetting due to operational sensitivities, and premature leaks can distort context. The publisher has reiterated that any official release would follow established editorial and legal processes. The investigation into the leak is ongoing.