Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday entered the growing controversy surrounding former Army chief General MM Naravane’s memoir Four Stars of Destiny. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, the Congress MP said he trusts the former Army chief’s word over the publisher’s denial about the book’s publication.

“Either Mr Naravane is lying or Penguin is lying. I don’t think the former Army chief will lie,” Gandhi said, framing the issue as a question of credibility.

‘Statements Inconvenient for the Government’

Referring to a 2023 social media post by General Naravane promoting his book, Gandhi suggested that certain portions of the memoir may be politically sensitive.

According to him, the content includes remarks that could be “inconvenient for the Government of India and the Prime Minister of India.” He pointed out that while Penguin Random House India has said the book has not been released, versions of it appear to be available online.

“Penguin says the book has not been published, but it is available on Amazon. I believe Naravane ji over Penguin. You have to decide who is telling the truth,” Gandhi told reporters.

Publisher Denies Any Release

Responding to the controversy, Penguin Random House India issued a formal statement denying that the memoir has been published in any format.

“We wish to make it clear that the book has not gone into publication. No copies of the book – in print or digital form – have been published, distributed, sold, or otherwise made available to the public by Penguin Random House India,” the publisher said.

Legal Action Warning Over Unauthorized Copies

The publishing house also warned that any version currently circulating, whether physical or digital, would be considered a case of copyright infringement.

It added that legal action would be taken against individuals or entities involved in the unauthorised distribution of the material, and said the statement was issued to place its position on record.