Tensions in Parliament intensified for the third consecutive day as the controversy surrounding former Army chief General M.M. Naravane’s memoir and remarks by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi triggered protests, sharp exchanges, and political fallout.
The dispute began after Rahul Gandhi was stopped from citing an article that referenced an unpublished memoir by General Naravane related to the 2020 India–China border standoff. The matter escalated on Wednesday when Gandhi publicly displayed the book Four Stars of Destiny and said he would hand it over to Prime Minister Narendra Modi if the latter attended proceedings in the Lok Sabha.
Verbal Exchange Outside Parliament
A verbal confrontation occurred outside Parliament between Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu. As Congress MPs protested nearby, Gandhi referred to Bittu as a “traitor friend” and extended a handshake, which the minister declined.
Bittu, who left the Congress and joined the BJP in 2024, responded by calling Gandhi an “enemy of the state.” The exchange followed Bittu’s earlier remark on the protesting MPs, where he said they were “sitting as if they had won a war.”
Memoir Reference and Allegations
Addressing reporters within the Parliament House complex, Rahul Gandhi claimed that the memoir highlights a failure of leadership during the 2020 India–China conflict. He alleged that critical decisions were deferred and that responsibility was shifted to military leadership.
Gandhi stated that young Indians should be aware of the contents of the book, even as the government has denied the existence of an unpublished memoir. He added that he would personally present the book to Prime Minister Modi if the opportunity arose.
“I do not believe the Prime Minister will come to the Lok Sabha today,” Gandhi said, adding that he was prepared to hand over the book if Modi attended.
Congress Protests and Suspensions
Meanwhile, suspended Congress MPs continued demonstrations outside Parliament, holding placards reading “PM is compromised.” The slogan echoes earlier remarks made by Gandhi in connection with the India–US trade agreement.
The eight suspended MPs include Manickam Tagore, Kiran Reddy, Prashant Padole, Hibi Eden, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Gurjeet Aujla, S. Venkat Raman, and Dean Kuriakose.
As Parliament remains disrupted, the memoir controversy has emerged as a flashpoint in the ongoing Budget Session, underscoring deepening political divisions over national security, accountability, and parliamentary conduct.
