'...Were Keen To': Penguin Responds To Reports Surrounding Sonia Gandhi’s ‘Belonging’; Congress Calls It 'Weak Statement'

New Delhi - Penguin Random House India has firmly denied reports that it opted out of publishing Sonia Gandhi's memoir "Belonging: A Journey of Love." The publisher insisted, "Penguin Random House India is not the publisher of 'Belonging' in India." The statement was made in response to claims that the decision was due to Gandhi refusing editorial changes.

Penguin emphasized that the decision was theirs to make and that they fact-checked the book, providing recommendations in its best interests. They stated that they were always willing and keen to publish the book, but declined to comment further on confidential talks with Gandhi. Congress deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi criticized the publisher's response as "weak," noting other publishers' interest in the memoir.

HarperCollins is reportedly close to finalizing an agreement to publish the book in India. The memoir, set for international release on November 10, chronicles Sonia Gandhi's life from her Italian childhood to her marriage with former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.