New Delhi | February 10, 2026
Penguin Random House India has categorically stated that the book attributed to former Army Chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane has not been published, distributed or made available in any format, bringing temporary closure to a controversy that disrupted Parliament and led to repeated adjournments of both Houses.
The clarification followed a heated exchange in Parliament after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi attempted to cite alleged excerpts from the book during proceedings.
The Defence Minister objected, contesting the claim and stating on the floor of the House that the book was never published, triggering sharp protests and multiple adjournments.
Parliament Row Over Alleged Quotes
The Opposition maintained that it was citing material already in the public domain, while the government insisted that quoting from an unpublished book amounted to misleading Parliament.
The standoff paralysed proceedings for days, even as questions mounted outside the House over the origins and authenticity of the quoted material.
Publisher’s Statement Raises New Questions
Amid the political storm, Penguin Random House India issued an official statement — later reposted by Gen Naravane on X — asserting that no version of the book had been released and that the publisher alone holds the publishing rights.
While the statement supports the government’s position in Parliament, it has also fuelled fresh speculation, with critics questioning whether the publisher issued the clarification under pressure following the parliamentary controversy. Penguin Random House India has not addressed these claims directly.
Gen Naravane Reposts, But Silence Persists
Gen Naravane, who served as Chief of the Army Staff from 2019 to 2022, reshared the publisher’s clarification on X, confirming that the book — widely referred to in public discourse as Four Stars of Destiny — is not in circulation.
However, the former Army Chief has not publicly confirmed the book’s title, nor explained earlier claims that it was expected to be available in December 2023. This silence has led to renewed debate over whether Gen Naravane himself is under pressure, a question that only he can definitively answer.
Calls for Media Interaction Grow Louder
Political observers and supporters have now urged Gen Naravane to address the issue directly through a media press conference to put all speculation to rest and counter what many describe as “manufactured narratives” and online misinformation.
They argue that only a direct, on-record clarification from the author can decisively settle questions about the book, its status, and the circumstances surrounding the publisher’s statement.
Unprecedented Situation
Analysts note the unusual nature of the episode — Parliament being repeatedly adjourned over a book that, according to its publisher, does not exist in the public domain.
The controversy has also raised broader concerns about how unverified material enters political debate and how quickly narratives can spiral without clear public communication.
For now, the official position remains unchanged: the book has not been published in any form.
Whether the clarifications issued so far were entirely voluntary or shaped by external pressure is a matter of speculation — one that only Gen Naravane can conclusively resolve by speaking openly to the media.
