The unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General MM Naravane, titled ‘Four Stars of Destiny’, has created a massive political storm in India. On February 2, 2026, the book became the center of a heated debate in the Lok Sabha when Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi attempted to read excerpts from it.
The government immediately objected, stating that the book is still “under review” and technically unpublished. However, leaked portions of the manuscript have already triggered serious questions about the 2020 Galwan standoff with China and the rollout of the Agnipath recruitment scheme.
Here is a simple breakdown of the controversy, the key revelations, and why this book is making headlines even before its release.
What Happened in Parliament?
During the Budget Session debate on February 2, 2026, Rahul Gandhi tried to quote from a magazine article that contained excerpts from General Naravane’s manuscript. He intended to question the government’s handling of the China border crisis and the Agnipath scheme.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah strongly opposed this. Their argument was that since the book has not been officially released and is currently under review by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), it cannot be treated as a valid document to be quoted in Parliament. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha eventually adjourned the proceedings due to the uproar.
Read more: Skill India Budget 2026
The Status of the Book: Is it Banned?
The book is not officially banned, but it is in “limbo.”
- Scheduled Release: It was originally supposed to be published in early 2024 by Penguin Random House.
- Current Status: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Army are reviewing the content to ensure it does not compromise national security or reveal classified secrets. This review process has delayed the publication for over a year.
- General Naravane’s Stance: The former Army Chief has stated that he did his job by writing the book and it is now up to the publishers and the MoD to clear it. He described the book as “maturing like aged wine” due to the delay.
Key Revelation 1: The “Hot Potato” Order During China Crisis
The most explosive claim in the leaked excerpts relates to the tense night of August 31, 2020, along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh.
According to the excerpts, Chinese tanks were moving toward Indian positions at Rechin La. The situation was critical, and Indian troops were waiting for orders to fire. General Naravane reportedly called Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to ask for clear instructions.
The memoir claims that instead of a clear “yes” or “no,” the Defence Minister told him: “Jo ucchit samjho woh karo” (Do whatever you deem appropriate).
General Naravane describes this as being handed a “hot potato.” The political leadership essentially left the decision—whether to start a potential war or not—entirely to the Army Chief. Naravane eventually decided not to open fire, a move that prevented a full-scale war.
Key Revelation 2: The Agnipath Scheme Surprise
The second major controversy concerns the Agnipath Scheme, which changed how soldiers are recruited into the Indian Armed Forces.
The government has often presented this scheme as a major reform supported by the military. However, Naravane’s memoir reportedly claims that the scheme came as a “bolt from the blue” for the Navy and Air Force.
- Original Proposal: The Army wanted to retain 75% of recruits and release 25%.
- Final Policy: The government flipped this, retaining only 25% and releasing 75% without pension.
- Salary Issues: Naravane also reportedly objected to the initial starting salary of ₹20,000, calling it “unacceptable” for a trained soldier. It was later raised to ₹30,000 after his intervention.
Why This Matters
This controversy is significant because it challenges the official narrative on two of the biggest defense issues in recent years: India’s border security against China and the military recruitment reforms.
If the book is released with these details intact, it could confirm that the military leadership and the political government were not always on the same page regarding critical decisions. For now, the public waits to see if the Ministry of Defence will allow the book to be sold or if it will demand major cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is General Naravane’s book available to buy?
No, the book Four Stars of Destiny is currently unavailable. Pre-orders on sites like Amazon were cancelled because the book is still under review by the government.
Q2: Did General Naravane criticize the Prime Minister?
The excerpts suggest that the political leadership (PMO and Defence Ministry) was hesitant during the China crisis and made changes to the Agnipath scheme that the Army did not originally propose. It portrays a lack of clear political direction during critical moments.
Q3: Can the government stop a retired General from writing a book?
Yes. Rules state that retired officers from intelligence or security organizations must get clearance before publishing sensitive information. The government can withhold pension if these rules are violated.
Q4: What is the “Hot Potato” reference?
It refers to a difficult situation where the Defence Minister reportedly avoided giving a direct order to fire on Chinese tanks, leaving the risky decision entirely to General Naravane.
Q5: When will the book be released?
There is no confirmed date. It depends on when (and if) the Ministry of Defence gives the final clearance.