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Former Army Chief Manoj Naravane backed publisher Penguin amid controversy over his unpublished memoir. The issue escalated after an FIR and Rahul Gandhi’s attempt to quote the book in Parliament, triggering sharp political reactions and debate.
Naravane Responds to Controversy
New Delhi: Former Indian Army Chief General (retired) Manoj Mukund Naravane on Tuesday responded to the growing political controversy surrounding his unpublished memoir Four Stars of Destiny. He publicly supported his publisher, Penguin, by sharing its official statement on social media platform X, stating, “This is the status of the book.” His response came amid intense political debate and legal action linked to the book.
Penguin’s statement clarified its position regarding the unpublished memoir, but it failed to settle the controversy. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, reacted sharply, questioning the credibility of the claims. He remarked that “either Naravane or Penguin is lying,” intensifying the political confrontation over the contents and circulation of the book.
This is the status of the book. https://t.co/atLtwhJvl0
— Manoj Naravane (@ManojNaravane) February 10, 2026
The issue escalated further after the Delhi Police registered an FIR concerning the circulation of the unpublished memoir. The FIR was filed a day before Naravane’s public response, indicating the seriousness with which authorities are treating the matter. The legal action has added another layer of complexity to the controversy, shifting it beyond political debate into the legal domain.
Leak of Unreleased Naravane Book Sparks Police Inquiry (Image Source: Internet)
The controversy entered Parliament on February 2 when Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote an excerpt from Four Stars of Destiny during proceedings in the Lok Sabha. The treasury benches objected and blocked the move, preventing the excerpt from being read. This intervention triggered sharp exchanges in the House and brought national attention to the unpublished memoir.
At the heart of the controversy are questions about transparency, freedom of expression, and the handling of sensitive material related to national institutions. With conflicting claims from the author and the publisher, and strong political reactions, the episode has sparked a broader debate on accountability and the limits of public discourse involving former high-ranking officials.
