Amidst growing political debate, former Army Chief Gen. M. M. Naravane confirmed on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, that his memoir, Four Stars of Destiny, has not been officially published, echoing a statement from his publisher.
Penguin Random House India stated it holds the sole publishing rights to Four Stars of Destiny and asserted that the book has not gone into publication. The publisher affirmed that no copies, in print or digital form, have been published, distributed, sold, or made available to the public by the company.
Gen. Naravane shared the publisher’s statement on social media, stating, “This is the status of the book.” This followed the Delhi Police registering an FIR regarding the alleged illegal circulation of the unpublished manuscript in digital and other formats.
Contradiction by Rahul Gandhi
Gen. Naravane’s clarification came after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi cited a December 2023 social media post by General Naravane stating the book was “available now” as evidence contradicting the publisher’s claim.
Portions of Gen. Naravane’s account within the circulated manuscript detail the 2020 Galwan clash, the military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, and the government’s Agniveer scheme, suggesting potential disagreements over government policy. Opposition members have focused on an alleged August 2020 standoff with the PLA, where Gen. Naravane reportedly awaited government instructions without receiving clear orders.
Following Mr. Gandhi’s remarks, PRHI clarified that an announcement regarding a book or its availability for pre-order should not be interpreted as a formal publication.
Neither PRHI nor Gen. Naravane explained how the manuscript reached Mr. Gandhi, or whether a hardcopy had been printed but not distributed. The book has not yet obtained clearance from the Ministry of Defence.
The controversy began last week when Mr. Gandhi displayed what he described as a copy of the book within the Parliament complex, prompting political and legal scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of Gen. Naravane’s book?
According to both Gen. Naravane and Penguin Random House India, the book Four Stars of Destiny has not been officially published.
Why did Rahul Gandhi present a copy of the book in Parliament?
Rahul Gandhi cited a December 2023 social media post by Gen. Naravane stating the book was “available now” to counter the publisher’s claim that it has not been published.
What action is being taken regarding the circulation of the manuscript?
The Delhi Police has registered an FIR investigating the alleged illegal circulation of the unpublished manuscript, and Penguin Random House India stated it will pursue legal remedies against any unauthorized dissemination.
As the investigation unfolds, will the contents of the manuscript—and the circumstances surrounding its circulation—continue to fuel political debate?
