Former Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane has addressed the controversy surrounding his unpublished memoir, ‘Four Stars of Destiny’, in his first interview since the matter sparked a row in Parliament. The General clarified the meaning of a specific remark allegedly made by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the border dispute with China.
The ‘Free Hand’ Controversy
At the center of the dispute is the phrase “jo uchit samjho, woh karo” (do whatever you deem appropriate). General Naravane stated that this remark reflected the government’s “total faith” and “great confidence” in the army’s hierarchy and service chiefs.
He explained that the armed forces were given a “free hand” to respond to ground situations. According to the former chief, the government trusted that decisions would be made while considering all necessary factors, and he urged that there should be no politics regarding the subject.
Parliamentary Uproar and Opposing Claims
The controversy began in February during the Budget session of Parliament. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote from the unpublished manuscript, though he was stopped by the Speaker because the book had not been released.
Gandhi claimed the book suggests that on August 31, 2020, as Chinese military forces advanced toward Rechin La, General Naravane informed officials about approaching tanks but received no direct reply for a long time. Gandhi argued the PM’s message of “do whatever you deem appropriate” indicated a failure of responsibility and that the Army Chief felt abandoned by the establishment.
Military Neutrality and Border Status
General Naravane, who served as army chief from 2019 to 2022, cautioned against the politicization of the military. He noted that Indian armed forces remain totally apolitical, contrasting this with the situation in Pakistan where the military often overpowers civilian leadership.
Regarding the border standoff, the General maintained that India dominated the situation along the LAC. He pointed to the dismantling of Chinese fortifications and the pullback of their troops in certain areas as evidence, firmly stating that “no territory was ceded.”
He further clarified that his memoir is based on his personal perspective and does not rely on any classified documents. He emphasized that decisions during the tensions were taken jointly through close coordination between the government and the armed forces.
Potential Next Steps
The eventual publication of ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ may depend on the outcome of ongoing communications between the publisher and the government. If the Ministry of Defence grants approval, the book could provide a more detailed official account of the 2020 crisis.
Depending on the contents of the final released version, the “jo uchit samjho, woh karo” remark may continue to be a point of political debate in future parliamentary sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the title of the unpublished memoir?
The memoir is titled ‘Four Stars of Destiny’.
When did the incident involving Chinese tanks at Rechin La take place?
The incident occurred on August 31, 2020.
What is the current status of the book’s publication?
The book is currently pending approval with the Ministry of Defence, and the publisher is in touch with the government.
Do you believe military memoirs should be subject to government approval before publication?
