Delhi Police have launched an investigation after a PDF copy of former Army Chief Gen MM Naravane’s unpublished memoir, Four Stars of Destiny, began circulating online. The book, still awaiting approval from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), has become the center of a heated political dispute between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the BJP-led government.
Rahul Gandhi recently held up a printed copy of the book in Parliament, claiming it revealed how the government mishandled border tensions with China, particularly the 2020 Galwan clash. According to Gandhi, Gen Naravane wrote that when he informed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and NSA Ajit Doval about Chinese tanks approaching, he received no immediate response, and the Prime Minister’s message was, “Jo uchit samjho, woh karo” — implying he was left to make decisions on his own. Gandhi said this demonstrated the army chief felt abandoned by the establishment.
The MoD has not granted publication clearance for the memoir, and Rajnath Singh, along with other BJP leaders, said quoting from an unpublished book violates parliamentary rules and could compromise national security. Despite this, copies have appeared on social media and some online marketplaces. The police have registered a case with the Special Cell to investigate the alleged leak.
Gen Naravane, who served as India’s Chief of Army Staff from December 2019 to April 2022, confirmed earlier that the book is under MoD review and its publication depends on the authorities’ decision. The memoir reportedly covers his career from early encounters with China in Sikkim to the Galwan clash, as well as the Agnipath scheme and ceasefire implementations with Pakistan.
The controversy has stalled Parliament proceedings since February 2, highlighting tensions over transparency, national security, and political accountability. The book, set to be published by Penguin Random House India, has 448 pages and remains unavailable for public purchase.
