PVLF 2026

Controversy Surrounds Unpublished Memoir of Ex-Army Chief Naravane

Controversy erupts after Rahul Gandhi cited excerpts from ex-Army Chief Gen. Naravane’s unpublished memoir, still awaiting Defence Ministry clearance over sensitive content.
on Feb 03, 2026

A controversy has broken out in Indian politics over the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane, titled Four Stars of Destiny. This unfolded during a recent Lok Sabha session, where Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi attempted to read out what he claimed were excerpts from the book, triggering strong protests from government members.

The book has not yet been published because existing rules require retired senior military officers to obtain government clearance before publishing any material that involves classified or sensitive information, especially matters linked to national security. The objective of these rules is to ensure that confidential information is not made public without official approval.

General Naravane’s memoir has been under review by the Ministry of Defence for over a year, and no formal clearance has been granted so far. Those opposing the reading of excerpts argue that Lok Sabha rules must be strictly followed, and that quoting from an unpublished book does not fall within parliamentary norms.