Why Penguin dropped Sonia Gandhi’s memoir: Congress leaders weigh in

Senior Congress leaders have accused Penguin India of being coerced into removing content from Sonia Gandhi’s memoir that referenced Modi, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and China’s occupation of Indian territory during Modi’s leadership. This revelation emerged after The Indian Express reported that Penguin Random House India had declined to publish Gandhi’s memoir, titled "Belonging: A Journey of Love," in the country.

The publisher reportedly sought "editorial changes and deletions" from the manuscript, but Gandhi declined. Penguin Random House India admitted it was not the official publisher of "Belonging" in India, emphasizing their responsibility to fact-check and provide recommendations in the best interests of the book. They reiterated their willingness to publish the book but declined to comment further on confidential discussions.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath expressed concern over the publisher’s decision, questioning whether it was driven by government pressure or internal motives. Gehlot emphasized that Gandhi’s memoir is a factual account of her life and experiences, and censorship of such facts is unacceptable. He also highlighted the importance of preserving freedom of expression.