BJP Criticizes Rahul Gandhi Over General Naravane's Statements on China
The BJP has taken aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following remarks made by former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, who dismissed allegations of territorial losses to China. During a recent parliamentary session, Gandhi attempted to quote from Naravane's unpublished memoir, which led to a political stir. Naravane's statements emphasized that no land was given to China and criticized the misuse of unpublished documents in political discourse. This article delves into the unfolding political drama surrounding these claims and the implications for both parties.
| Apr 24, 2026, 13:29 IST
BJP Targets Rahul Gandhi Following General Naravane's Remarks
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched an attack on Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, after former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane dismissed claims of territorial losses to China. During the budget session in February, Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote excerpts from General Naravane's unpublished memoir, 'Four Stars of Destiny.' However, the Speaker intervened, as the book had not yet been published.
BJP spokesperson Shahzad Poonawala stated that Naravane confirmed that not a single inch of land was ceded to China. He accused Rahul Gandhi of spreading misinformation, asserting that Naravane has now broken his silence to expose Gandhi's falsehoods. Citing General Naravane, the BJP leader emphasized that the military received political backing during the standoff with China in 2020. Naravane openly criticized the use of unpublished documents to drag him and the armed forces into political disputes.
When questioned about the ground realities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and ongoing border tensions with Beijing, General Naravane suggested that all doubts could be resolved by simply asking the Chinese if they had made any recent gains in India. In February, Naravane's unpublished autobiography 'Four Stars of Destiny' became a focal point of political controversy when Rahul Gandhi attempted to reference it in the Lok Sabha.
After being denied permission to quote from the unpublished memoir, Gandhi was seen bringing a copy of it during the remainder of the session. Referencing excerpts from the book, the Congress MP claimed that the former Army Chief had informed Rajnath Singh and others about the arrival of 'Chinese tanks' and alleged that there had been a prolonged lack of direct response from the government.