The Lok Sabha witnessed chaos on Monday after Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi quoted from an unpublished book by former Army Chief General MM Naravane while speaking on the 2017 Doklam standoff with China. The House was adjourned for the day after Gandhi referred to a passage from the book while targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the Budget Session.
Rahul Gandhi repeatedly referred to General Naravane’s unpublished memoir, which is currently awaiting a review by the Ministry of Defence.
Who Is MM Naravane?
Former Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane served from December 2019 to April 2022, including during the 2020 India-China border clashes. He took over as Chief of Army Staff on 31 December 2019, succeeding General Bipin Rawat.
What Rahul Gandhi Said
While replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address, Rahul Gandhi was interrupted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who objected to the Congress MP quoting from an unpublished book. Singh argued that the contents could not be authenticated.
Gandhi said the passage related to an incident at Doklam, when “four Chinese tanks were entering Indian territory” and attempting to take control of a ridge. He added, “The Army Chief writes, and I quote from an article that is quoting his book.”
“This is from the memoir of Army Chief Naravane. I want you to listen carefully. You will understand exactly who is patriotic and who is not. This is about when four Chinese tanks were entering Indian territory. They were taking a ridge in Doklam. And the Army Chief writes, and I quote from an article that is quoting his book,” Gandhi said.
What Did MM Naravane Write?
General Naravane’s memoir, titled Four Stars of Destiny, was scheduled for publication in April 2024. The listing is still available on Amazon, but it now shows the message: “Currently unavailable. We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock.”
According to the Book’s Description on Amazon
“From his first encounter with the Chinese as a young officer in Sikkim to dealing with them in Galwan when he was Chief, from daily incidents of firing across the LC to implementing a ceasefire with Pakistan, General Naravane takes us through his distinguished career spanning over four decades, during which he served in all corners of the country.”