Rahul Gandhi Challenges Rajnath Singh on Ex-Army Chief’s Ladakh Book
The recent parliamentary session witnessed a heated debate over an unpublished book by General MM Naravane, a former Army chief. This incident emerged when Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, referenced the memoir, titled “Four Stars Of Destiny,” which discusses the 2020 Ladakh conflict between India and China.
Controversy Over Quoting Unpublished Work
Rahul Gandhi’s attempt to bring the book into the parliamentary discussion met with swift backlash from BJP leaders. The quoted article originated from a well-known magazine and highlighted over the chaotic events surrounding the eastern Ladakh border standoff that began on May 5, 2020.
Defence Minister’s Response
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh quickly interjected, stating that referencing an unpublished book contravenes parliamentary rules. He insisted that Gandhi should present the book before quoting it. Home Minister Amit Shah and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for adherence to procedural standards.
Support for Rahul Gandhi
- Akhilesh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party chief, supported Gandhi, underlining the sensitivity of the China issue.
- Rahul Gandhi maintained that both the article and the book he referenced were “100% authentic.”
During the debate, Rahul Gandhi raised the question, “What does it contain which is scaring them so much?” in reference to the BJP’s resistance to his quoting. This led to more interjections from the ruling party, criticizing his approach to discussing national security matters.
Parliamentary Tension
The atmosphere in the Lok Sabha grew increasingly tense, culminating in Speaker Om Birla having to adjourn the house. The session resumed post-adjournment with similar disruptions as Gandhi reintroduced the topic, prompting more opposition from various BJP leaders.
Government sources accused Rahul Gandhi of trivializing parliamentary decorum, asserting that allowing unverified claims could lead to dangerous precedents. In contrast, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi defended her brother’s intentions, stating he was not attempting to discredit the Army but was reading from a credible source.
Conclusion
This incident underscores the delicate balance between freedom of speech and the need for compliance with parliamentary conduct. The discussions surrounding the Ladakh stand-off remain contentious, particularly when involving sensitive military operations. As tensions persist, the focus will likely remain on how leaders navigate dialogue on national security issues.
