New Delhi, Feb 10 (NationPress) The Congress party on Tuesday vehemently condemned the filing of an FIR by the Delhi Police concerning the supposed distribution of an unpublished manuscript by former Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane. They accused the BJP-led administration of misusing investigative bodies to divert attention from pressing national matters and to stifle the Opposition's voice in Parliament.

In response to this situation, Congress MP Ujjwal Raman Singh remarked that the party is bringing to light issues highlighted in the manuscript because they are crucial for the nation.

“They may continue with their investigation, but we are bringing forth significant concerns mentioned in that book that matter to our country. The BJP frequently resorts to such tactics to shield itself from vital topics and tries to silence the Opposition in Parliament. I urge them to allow the Opposition to express its sentiments,” Singh told IANS.

Congress MP Mallu Ravi claimed that the FIR was a politically charged move orchestrated by the ruling party. “The FIR was filed by the Delhi Police at the behest of BJP officials. The BJP government aimed to politicize this matter through its registration. They refuse to address the underlying truths,” Ravi asserted, accusing the administration of dodging substantial inquiries.

Congress figure Husain Dalwai ridiculed the government's reaction, questioning the extent of fear provoked by an unpublished manuscript. “Oh! They are terrified of a book. It’s astonishing. While I understand fear of a Chinese incursion, being afraid of a book is baffling. Regardless of its origin, what is there to fear? The events at the border have been documented in the manuscript. What distinguishes it?” Dalwai questioned.

The Delhi Police previously confirmed the registration of an FIR regarding the supposed circulation of the unpublished book titled Four Stars of Destiny, authored by former General (Retd) Naravane.

An official statement indicated that the case involves the dissemination of content from the manuscript on social media platforms, despite lacking the necessary clearance from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The FIR was filed shortly after a media report revealed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had accessed the unpublished manuscript, which allegedly was not approved for publication without MoD consent. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has since claimed that the book “does not exist,” while the publisher, Penguin, has also clarified that it did not release the manuscript.

JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha expressed a markedly different viewpoint, labeling the issue as sensitive and cautioned against politicizing matters of national security. “This is an extremely sensitive issue. Given that the Ministry of Defence did not grant permission, and even the publisher, Penguin, has confirmed that it did not print the book, sharing such a manuscript on social media indicates that those amplifying it, in opposition to the government, are acting against national interests,” Jha stated.

The ongoing controversy has heightened tensions between the ruling party and the Opposition, with Congress maintaining that the focus should remain on the substantial issues raised, rather than attempts to suppress open debate.