'I Believe Army Chief Over Penguin': Rahul Gandhi Questions 'Who Is Lying' As Mystery Over Memoir Deepens

As Delhi Police opens an investigation into the alleged circulation of General MM Naravane's (Retd) unpublished book, LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi responded to the controversy, backing the former Army chief. Speaking outside the Parliament on Tuesday, Gandhi questioned the clarification by Penguin Random House, the publisher of the book, which has denied that the memoir was ever available to the public. He also cited how Naravane had tweeted promoting the book's link on Amazon."Here is a tweet from Mr Naravane which says -"Just follow the link to my book". The point I am making is - either Mr Naravane is lying or it is Penguin which is lying. I don't think the former Army chief will lie," Rahul Gandhi told reporters. He added, "Penguin says the book has not

been published. But the book is available on Amazon. Gen. Naravane has tweeted, "Please buy my book in 2023." I believe Naravane ji over Penguin. Do you believe Penguin over Naravane ji? I believe Naravane ji has made certain statements in his book which are inconvenient for the Government of India and the Prime Minister of India. Obviously, you have to decide if Penguin or the former Army chief is telling the truth."

Also Read: Unapproved & Unseen: How Did Rahul Gandhi Get a Hard Copy of Naravane's Book That Was Never Published?

What did Penguin Random House say?

Penguin Random House India said no copies of the book - in print or digital form - have been published, distributed, sold, or otherwise made available to the public. Between 2020 and 2024, the Defence Ministry has cleared 35 books, with 'Four Stars of Destiny' remaining the only manuscript still pending, according to a report in The Indian Express."In light of recent public discourse and media reporting, Penguin Random House India would like to clarify that we hold the sole publishing rights for the book Four Stars of Destiny, a memoir by General Manoj Mukund Naravane, former Chief of the Indian Army. We wish to make it clear that the book has not gone into publication," Penguin Random House India clarified.A defence-related manuscript, one written by serving or retired personnel dealing with sensitive operational matters, intelligence, or national security, needs clearance from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to ensure no classified information is revealed. Previously, excerpts had been reported by PTI, but the physical book was not supposed to exist, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.Questions remain over how a book which "does not exist" reach Rahul Gandhi.