Rahul Gandhi turned the heat on Penguin and the BJP Tuesday, questioning public faith in a publisher versus former Army Chief General MM Naravane amid Parliament’s memoir meltdown. The Leader of Opposition’s barbs followed yet another chaotic Lok Sabha adjournment triggered by the ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ controversy.
Asserting the book circulates freely online—including Amazon—Gandhi dismissed Penguin’s denials. He cited Naravane’s 2023 tweet linking to Galwan 2020 insights: ‘Click, read, Jai Hind.’ The implication? Incompatibility between the general’s openness and the publisher’s secrecy.
Disruptions have gripped the House for over a week, opposition fixated on unveiling the ‘truths,’ government unmoved. Gandhi’s Monday stunt—waving the memoir visibly—escalated hostilities anew.
Aligning decisively with Naravane, Gandhi challenged: ‘I trust the Army Chief, not Penguin. Your choice?’ He lambasted priorities sidelining military candor for political comfort, with the Galwan episode central to the indictment.
Penguin clarified ownership of rights but no release in any medium. The dueling narratives have opposition leaders crying cover-up, poised to intensify pressure.
Beyond the chamber, this imbroglio probes deeper questions of transparency in defense matters under the current administration. As sessions falter, the memoir’s shadow looms large over legislative agenda.