A political row has erupted over the reported decision by Penguin Random House India not to publish Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s memoir Belonging: A Journey of Love in India.
The book was expected to be released in India by Penguin Random House, but the publisher has now clarified that it is not the book’s publisher. In a statement issued on Friday, the company said it had been interested in publishing the memoir and had held discussions regarding its release. It also said editorial suggestions had been shared with the author before publication, but the book would ultimately not be published by Penguin.
Congress leaders have alleged that political pressure from the Bharatiya Janata Party led to the publisher’s withdrawal. Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi criticised Penguin’s explanation, claiming the publishing house had bowed to pressure from the ruling party.
Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot also questioned why the publisher would reportedly release the memoir internationally while not publishing it in India. He asked who had allegedly exerted pressure and raised concerns over freedom of expression.
The BJP has rejected the allegations, calling them baseless. BJP spokesperson Ajay Alok said the controversy was not about political pressure but about the accuracy of information contained in the memoir. He alleged that Congress leaders could not present the truth even while writing a book.
BJP leader C.R. Kesavan challenged Congress to identify the portions of the memoir that allegedly contain inaccurate information.
The dispute has now turned the publication controversy into another political battle over censorship, editorial independence and freedom of expression.
