INDIA bloc slams Delhi police probe into Gen Naravane Memoir leak, BJP seeks privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi

The INDIA bloc MPs on Tuesday criticised the Centre over Delhi Police’s probe into the circulation of pre-print copies of ‘Four Stars of Destiny’, a memoir by former Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane. Opposition leaders called it a “misadventure” by law enforcement agencies, while BJP MPs defended the publisher and targeted Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for quoting from the “unpublished” book in Parliament.

Congress MP Manish Tewari raised questions over the government’s stand and asked, “If the book was not published, then how was it listed for advance orders on every online platform?”

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said the book had been circulated widely for reviews, and many people could have accessed it. Speaking to ANI, he said, “When a book is written, it is widely circulated among critics, given for review, so many people have access to it. For them to say the book has been leaked, I have no idea what they are going to do about this matter.”

He further added that the meaning of publication has changed in today’s time. Chidambaram stated, “Today, publication doesn't mean physical publication; it also means publication in the public domain. Even a tweet or a post on Facebook is a publication. This is yet another misadventure by law enforcement agencies under this government.”

The memoir reportedly discusses the 2020 China standoff, and RJD MP Manoj Jha said the government’s actions reflected insecurity. He said, “Don't blame Delhi police for this, as they are following orders given from above.” Jha also referred to the publisher’s credibility and said, “I saw a notification from Penguin House. Such is the value and standing of a publication house.”

He further mentioned that content from the book was already accessible. Jha said, “A page from the book was published in Caravan Magazine, with its PDF accessible to all. Government is nothing but insecure.”

Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh demanded a Breach of Parliamentary Privilege Motion against Rahul Gandhi. He said, “The publisher has stated that this book (Four Stars of Destiny by General MM Naravane (Retd.) has not yet been published.” Singh added, “A privileged motion should be moved against Rahul Gandhi, who has deliberately held the House hostage.”

He further said, “It must be assumed that the Leader of the Opposition lacks parliamentary knowledge.”

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also attacked the opposition and said, “The opposition is crossing all limits. The entire country is ashamed.” She added, “Rahul Gandhi presented an unauthorised book yesterday. He has insulted the entire judiciary.”

Ranaut further claimed, “They will apologise as always. Penguin Publications said today that this book is unauthorised.”

Earlier, Penguin Random House India issued a statement clarifying that the book had not yet been officially released. The publisher stated that the memoir had not gone into publication and that no copies, either print or digital, had been published, distributed, sold, or made available to the public.

The publishing house also said that any copies currently in circulation, in any form or on any platform, are a copyright infringement and should be stopped immediately. It added that it would take legal action against those involved in the illegal and unauthorised circulation of the book.

At the same time, Delhi Police took cognisance of claims made on social media platforms and news forums regarding the circulation of the pre-print copy. The Special Cell registered a case into what it called a “purported leak/breach of a yet to be approved publication.”

Delhi Police officials said an investigation has been initiated based on reports about the availability of the pre-print copy.

Rahul Gandhi, however, accused the publisher of lying and claimed that the book was available for sale. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Gandhi cited General MM Naravane’s 2023 post on X and said the memoir was available online.

The controversy began after Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote from the “pre-print book” during his speech in the Lok Sabha on the motion of Thanks on the President’s Address last week. His remarks were strongly opposed by the Treasury benches. The Speaker then passed a ruling directing the Leader of the Opposition not to quote unpublished literature.

A political row has continued since then, with the opposition calling the police action unnecessary and the BJP demanding action against Gandhi for allegedly using unauthorised material in the House.