Wed Feb 04 09:28:14 UTC 2026: ### Political Storm Erupts in Indian Parliament Over Unpublished Memoir

The Story:
On February 4, 2026, India’s Parliament witnessed tumultuous scenes as Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, brandished an unpublished “memoir” attributed to former Army chief M.M. Naravane, sparking a major political row. Gandhi claimed the book revealed the “truth” about the government’s response during the October 2020 face-off with China in eastern Ladakh. He stated his intention to personally deliver a copy to Prime Minister Narendra Modi if he attended the Lok Sabha session, while accusing the Prime Minister of not fulfilling his responsibilities and that General Naravane felt abandoned by the establishment. The uproar led to repeated adjournments, protests by Congress MPs, and a heated exchange between Gandhi and Union Minister of State (MoS) for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, who had defected from Congress to BJP in 2024.

Key Points:

  • Rahul Gandhi displayed an unpublished memoir of former Army chief M.M. Naravane in Parliament.
  • The book purportedly details decision-making during the 2020 face-off with China.
  • Gandhi accused Narendra Modi of dereliction of duty based on excerpts from the book.
  • Parliamentary proceedings were disrupted, leading to multiple adjournments.
  • A verbal clash occurred between Gandhi and Ravneet Singh Bittu, with Gandhi labeling Bittu a “traitor.”
  • Government ministers, including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Kiren Rijiju, objected to the mention of the book.

Key Takeaways:

  • The event highlights the deep political divisions and heightened tensions surrounding the government’s handling of the 2020 Ladakh border dispute with China.
  • Rahul Gandhi is using the unpublished memoir as a tool to directly challenge Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and credibility.
  • The incident underscores the sensitivity surrounding military matters and the government’s control over information deemed potentially damaging to its image.
  • Defections continue to fuel political animosity as shown by the altercation with Ravneet Singh Bittu.

Impact Analysis:

  • The incident could further erode public trust in the government if the claims made in the unpublished memoir gain traction.
  • The political turmoil may hinder the smooth functioning of Parliament and delay crucial legislative processes.
  • The event could embolden the opposition to intensify its attacks on the government, potentially influencing future election campaigns. The event may be a factor in the coming elections.

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