Rahul Gandhi vs Rajnath Singh Over Ex-Army Chief’s unpublished Book

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, began his speech in Parliament today by holding out a magazine article on an unpublished book by former Army chief, General MM Naravane on the Ladakh stand-off between India and China in 2020. And it did not sit well with BJP leaders.

BJP MP Jagadambika Pal demanded action against the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for creating a ruckus and not adhering to the ruling of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.Also Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized Rahul Gandhi for his remarks in the Lok Sabha during the Motion of Thanks, saying Mr Gandhi has broken the rules of the House and he should apologise to the Nation. Mr Rijiju alleged that Rahul Gandhi’s remarks against the Indian Armed Forces are uncalled for.

As soon as Rahul Gandhi began quoting the book, a swift interjection followed from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who said that quoting an unpublished book was against the rules of the House.

The eastern Ladakh border standoff erupted on May 5 in 2020, following a violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Pangong Lake area. Former Army chief General Naravane, in his unpublished memoir titled ‘Four Stars Of Destiny’, has written about the clash, and an essay on the book was published by a well-known magazine.

Rahul Gandhi, carrying a printout of the magazine, repeatedly tried to initiate a conversation on the book, but was summarily shot down by not just the Defence Minister, but also by Home Minister Amit Shah and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.

Kiran Rijuju said that Speaker has given a ruling that articles from magazines or newspapers cannot be quoted in the House and debate in the House should be held according to the laws. He further added that despite the ruling, the leader of opposition remained adamant to raise this issue in the house which is unfortunate.

Rijiju also said right from the beginning, Rahul Gandhi flouted rules and started quoting from a book whose publication and authenticity is not clearly mentioned.(UPDATED ON 2ND FEBRUARY 2026)