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Ex-Army Chief Naravane Turns Author, Focuses on Fiction Writing After Memoir Row

Former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane has embraced a new role as a fiction author, holding a book signing in Pune for his murder mystery 'The Cantonment Conspiracy'. He expressed enjoyment in transitioning from soldier to storyteller, noting he is now focused solely on fiction writing. His unpublished memoir previously caused a major controversy in Parliament, cited by Rahul Gandhi regarding the 2020 China standoff. The incident led to objections from the Defence Minister and even a no-confidence motion against the Lok Sabha Speaker.

Key Points: Former Army Chief Gen Naravane on Fiction Writing, Book Controversy

  • Former Army Chief launches fiction book
  • Memoir sparked Parliament controversy
  • Transition from soldier to storyteller
  • Book is a murder mystery
  • Political row involved Rahul Gandhi
2 min read

"Now only into writing fiction": Former Army chief Gen MM Naravane

Gen MM Naravane shifts to fiction writing after his unpublished memoir sparked a political row in Parliament. Details on his new book and the controversy.

"Now only into writing fiction": Former Army chief Gen MM Naravane
"I am now only into writing fiction. - General Manoj Mukund Naravane"

Pune, March 20

Former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday held a book signing event in Maharashtra's Pune for his book 'The Cantonment Conspiracy'.

General Naravane told reporters that now he is into fiction writing, apart from penning military reports for academic journals.

He said, "My book 'The Cantonment Conspiracy' was released last year, and I'm glad to say that the book is relatively well for a first-time author who had no idea how to write. It has been an interesting journey to write this book and transition from being a soldier to being a storyteller. So I enjoyed writing it, and I'm sure all those who read it will enjoy reading it too."

"I've always been writing from time to time, not only military reports but also for various academic journals of the Army. I had also written a few short stories, one of which was even published in the Femina. I am now only into writing fiction," he added.

'The Cantonment Conspiracy', published with Penguin Random House India, is a murder mystery, following two army officers fresh out of the National Defence Academy (NDA).

Meanwhile, the former Army chief and his unpublished memoir were surrounded by controversy after the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, cited the book to target the Centre over the 2020 standoff against China.

On February 2, during the motion of thanks on the President's Address, Lok Sabha witnessed sharp verbal exchanges after the Leader of the Opposition in the Lower House sought to quote a magazine article containing excerpts from General Naravane's unpublished memoir.

Gandhi's reply was interrupted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who raised concerns that a Congress MP cannot quote from an unpublished book, which he said has not been authenticated. The ruling benches objected to Gandhi's attempt to cite excerpts from the book.

The row escalated to an extent where Opposition MPs brought a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, with allegedly not letting Rahul Gandhi speak in the House being one of the reasons.

The motion was dropped after a voice vote in the second phase of the Budget Session of the Parliament.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The controversy around his memoir is unfortunate. Our Parliament should focus on substantive issues, not procedural squabbles over who can quote what. The real issue is national security.
A
Arjun K
A murder mystery set in a cantonment by a former Army Chief? That's a unique premise. His experience will definitely add authenticity. Will pick up a copy for sure.
S
Sarah B
While I admire his new venture, I respectfully disagree with the political use of an unpublished memoir in Parliament. It sets a bad precedent, regardless of which party does it. Let's debate policies, not unpublished drafts.
V
Vikram M
Good for him! After a lifetime of service, he deserves to pursue his passions. Hope his book does well. The fact that it sparked such a row in Parliament shows how much his words still matter.
K
Karthik V
Interesting career shift. Writing fiction requires a different kind of discipline. His background will bring a fresh perspective to Indian fiction. All the best, Sir! 👍

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