New Delhi – The Gen Naravane book controversy took a dramatic turn on Monday when Delhi Police registered a case against the online circulation of former Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane’s unpublished autobiography. The FIR marks the latest development in a political storm that began in Parliament last week and has since engulfed both government and opposition in heated exchanges.
How the Gen Naravane Book Controversy Started
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi initiated the Gen Naravane book controversy on February 2, though not directly with the book itself. The Congress MP brought to the House a printout of a magazine article that referenced excerpts from the unpublished memoir titled ‘Four Stars of Destiny,’ which remains pending approval with the Ministry of Defence.
Gandhi alleged that passages from the book reveal Prime Minister Narendra Modi “ran from his responsibility” when Gen Naravane informed him about Chinese tanks approaching Indian territory in 2020, weeks after the Galwan Valley clash that claimed 20 Indian soldiers’ lives. Gen MM Naravane served as India’s Chief of Army Staff from December 2019 to April 2022.
Rahul Gandhi’s Parliamentary Strategy
“First, they said that I cannot quote a book. Then I said I’m not quoting a book, I’m quoting a magazine. Then they said you cannot quote a magazine. Then I said I’ll speak about it. Then they didn’t want me to speak about it,” Gandhi stated on February 9, describing the obstacles he faced in raising the Gen Naravane book controversy.
Between parliamentary sessions, the Congress leader brought a printed copy of the unpublished book to the Parliament complex, stating he would give it to the Prime Minister. However, PM Modi did not attend the Lok Sabha that day, with BJP leaders and Speaker Om Birla citing concerns about potential attacks by Congress MPs.
Police Investigation Into Leaked PDF
Delhi Police launched an investigation after discovering that a PDF version of the unpublished autobiography was circulating on various online platforms. “Delhi Police took cognizance of information found on various online social media platforms and news forums which claimed that a pre-print copy of the book ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ is being circulated,” a police spokesperson confirmed.
The Gen Naravane book controversy intensified when verification revealed that a PDF copy of a typeset book, apparently prepared by Penguin Random House India Pvt. Limited, was available on certain websites. Some online marketing platforms even displayed the finished book cover as if available for purchase.
What Gen Naravane’s Memoir Allegedly Contains
According to Rahul Gandhi’s claims in the Gen Naravane book controversy, the former army chief wrote that when he informed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other leaders, including NSA Ajit Doval, about Chinese tanks approaching, he received no direct reply for a long time.
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Gandhi alleged that PM Modi’s message conveyed to Gen Naravane was “Jo uchit samjho, woh karo” (do what you think is right), suggesting the Prime Minister failed to fulfill his responsibility. “Naravane ji has clearly said in this book, that he felt alone and was abandoned by the entire establishment,” Gandhi claimed.
Government’s Response to Gen Naravane Book Controversy
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted in the Lok Sabha: “I am confident, this book has never been published.” Ministers argued that quoting from an unpublished book violates Parliament’s rules and is “against national interest” and “harms national security.”
Rajnath Singh rhetorically questioned why Gen Naravane “did not go to court” over the pending approval “if the facts in it are right.” He demanded: “(Rahul Gandhi) should present the book that he is claiming to quote from. I want to see it; this House wants to see it.”
Gen Naravane’s Previous Statements
At an October 2025 literature festival in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, Gen Naravane addressed the Gen Naravane book controversy’s origins. “My job was to write the book and give it to the publishers. It is for the publishers to get permission from the MoD. They have given it to them, and it is still under review,” he explained.
The former army chief revealed the book had been under review “for more than a year now” as of October 2025, adding: “The ball is in the publisher’s and the MoD’s court.” He stated it was for the Ministry of Defence to grant permission “as and when they deem fit.”
Book Details and Publication Status
‘Four Stars of Destiny’ was supposed to be published in April 2024, according to pre-order announcements made in late 2023 by Penguin. Amazon and Flipkart had listings stating: “Currently unavailable. We don’t know when or if this item will be back in stock.” These listings disappeared after the Gen Naravane book controversy erupted in Parliament.
The 448-page memoir reportedly covers Gen Naravane’s distinguished four-decade career, from his first encounter with the Chinese as a young officer in Sikkim to dealing with them during the Galwan clash as Chief. The book allegedly discusses sensitive topics including the Agnipath scheme and the Galwan clash.
Parliamentary Stalemate Continues
Parliament has remained largely stalled since the Gen Naravane book controversy began, as Rahul Gandhi continues displaying the book and the Opposition demands discussions on its contents about China and the India-US trade deal framework. The political standoff shows no signs of resolution as investigations into the leaked PDF continue.
