Parliament Disrupted as Rahul Gandhi Cites Ex-Army Chief’s Memoir to Target Government on China Border Issue

    The ongoing Parliament session witnessed sharp exchanges after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the ruling party of failing to adequately address China’s growing presence along the India–China border. His remarks, made during the debate in the House, were based on references from the unreleased memoir of former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane, according to the Congress leadership.

Rahul Gandhi alleged that China has moved significantly ahead in strengthening its position along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), raising serious concerns about India’s territorial security. Citing excerpts attributed to General Naravane’s memoir, Gandhi claimed that the former Army Chief’s account contradicts the government’s repeated assurances on the border situation.

The Congress leader argued that Parliament and the country deserve clarity on what he described as a “gap between official statements and ground realities.” He stressed that national security is not a partisan issue and accused the government of avoiding a detailed discussion on China during Parliament proceedings.

Government Pushback and Political Fallout

The ruling party strongly rejected Rahul Gandhi’s allegations, calling them misleading and irresponsible. Ministers and BJP leaders accused the Congress of selectively quoting from an unreleased book to create confusion and undermine the morale of the armed forces. They reiterated that India’s borders are secure and that the government is taking all necessary steps to protect national interests.

Treasury bench members also questioned the credibility of relying on unpublished memoirs, arguing that personal recollections cannot be treated as official assessments. The sharp disagreement led to repeated interruptions in the House, forcing adjournments and intensifying the political atmosphere of the session.

Naravane Memoir Sparks Fresh Debate

Although General Naravane’s memoir has not yet been officially released, reports about its contents have already sparked political debate. Opposition leaders say the references highlight the need for greater transparency on border management, while government supporters insist that operational matters should not be politicised or discussed on the basis of incomplete information.

Political analysts note that the China border issue has once again emerged as a flashpoint in Parliament, with both sides using it to shape their broader political narrative. While the opposition is pressing for accountability and detailed disclosures, the government maintains that national security decisions cannot be reduced to political point-scoring.

A Debate Far From Over

As the Parliament session continues, the issue is expected to remain a key point of confrontation. Whether the government agrees to an extended discussion on the border situation remains to be seen, but the exchange has once again underlined how sensitive and politically charged the China question remains in Indian politics.