‘Memoir Or Fiction?’: BJP Targets Sonia Gandhi’s Book As Congress Alleges Government Pressure

A political controversy has emerged over Sonia Gandhi's memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love". Congress leaders allege that the Indian government is exerting pressure on Penguin Random House India not to publish the book in India, while BJP leaders question Congress's claims. Penguin Random House India clarifies that it is not publishing the memoir in India, but stated it was "willing and keen" to publish it during discussions with Gandhi.

The dispute has escalated beyond a publishing decision, with both parties trading accusations over freedom of expression, fact-checking, and political interference. BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi questioned whether the book is a memoir or fiction, stating that a work labelled as a memoir should be evaluated by the publisher before being released.

BJP National Spokesperson CR Kesavan accused Congress leaders of creating a false narrative of fear over the memoir, citing the example of former Congress leader K Natwar Singh's autobiography, which contained excerpts that showed the Nehru-Gandhi family's unease about Singh's account of events. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi alleged that political considerations were behind the dispute, suggesting that Penguin India is more willing to publish certain books than others.

Congress MP Dr Akhilesh Prasad Singh claimed that a publisher cannot pressure an author to remove or include specific material, and cited Rahul Gandhi's previous mention of the issue. Rajasthan Congress leader Ashok Gehlot alleged pressure on Penguin India to remove references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Chinese intrusions during Modi's rule, describing the situation as an attack on free expression.