Parliament Drama: Rahul Gandhi Challenges PM Modi Over a Book
A political controversy erupted in Parliament after Rahul Gandhi quoted an unpublished book on the 2020 India–China clash, leading to protests and heated exchanges.
On 1 February 2026, the Union Budget for 2026–27 was presented in Parliament. However, instead of a detailed discussion on the Budget, a major political argument broke out between the government and the opposition over a book written by former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane.
During the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi referred to an article in The Caravan magazine, which mentioned parts of Naravane’s upcoming book, Four Stars of Destiny. He spoke about an incident from the 2020 India–China border clash, claiming that Chinese tanks had moved close to Indian positions and that the government did not react quickly.
Several BJP leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah, strongly objected. They said the book has not yet been officially published and proper permission was not taken to quote it in Parliament. As a result, Rahul Gandhi was interrupted and not allowed to continue on that topic.
The book, written by General Naravane, is currently under review by the Ministry of Defence as per Army Rules, which require approval before publishing sensitive information related to military matters. The controversy centres on details of how the government responded during a tense border situation in 2020.
Following the incident, opposition leaders protested in Parliament, accusing the government of avoiding discussion on national security. A heated exchange also took place between Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu during the protest.
The issue has now turned into a larger political debate over national security, freedom to speak in Parliament, and the handling of sensitive military information.
