Penguin Random House India (PRHI) has clarified its decision not to publish Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, saying there was no external pressure behind the move. The publisher said the decision followed a lack of consensus on a specific issue during discussions over the book, titled Belonging: A Journey of Love.
PRHI did not disclose details of the issue, citing contractual obligations and the author’s confidentiality.
The clarification comes amid controversy over the publication of Gandhi’s memoir in India. US-based Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Penguin Random House, has announced that the book will be published worldwide on November 10.
Cover page of Sonia Gandhi’s memoir.
PRHI denies claims of external pressure
In an exclusive statement to PTI, PRHI spokesperson Pallavi Narayan said the publisher was “very keen” to publish Belonging and had made significant efforts to acquire the book.
The publisher said the manuscript remained confidential and had not been publicly released, adding that there was therefore no question of external pressure influencing its decision.
PRHI said the manuscript went through its standard editorial process, during which several issues were raised and discussed with Sonia Gandhi’s representatives.
According to the publisher, an agreement was reached on changes to some issues, while the author’s position was accepted in other cases. However, the two sides ultimately failed to reach an agreement on one specific issue.
Author’s team decided not to proceed
PRHI said Sonia Gandhi’s team subsequently informed the publisher that it did not wish to continue with the publication process. The publisher said it respected the decision.
“We are bound by an agreement, and the author’s confidentiality is of utmost importance to us. Therefore, we will not disclose what caused the impasse,” PRHI said.
The publisher added that its role is to critically assess manuscripts, raise questions, offer suggestions and make independent editorial decisions. It said the same process was followed for Belonging.
Congress leaders allege government pressure
The controversy intensified after reports that PRHI had stepped back from publishing the memoir following disagreements over editorial changes. The publishing house subsequently faced criticism from social media users and opposition leaders.
Several Congress leaders questioned whether government pressure was behind the decision. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot alleged that Penguin India had been pressured to remove passages concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the RSS and China’s alleged occupation of Indian territory during the Modi government’s tenure.
Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath also questioned whether the publisher’s decision had been influenced by external pressure.
Memoir to be released worldwide on November 10
Gandhi’s memoir is expected to cover her childhood in post-war Italy, her marriage into the Nehru-Gandhi family, the assassination of her husband Rajiv Gandhi and her entry into politics.
Alfred A. Knopf has announced that Belonging: A Journey of Love will be released worldwide on November 10.
PRHI is the Indian subsidiary and operating company of the global publishing group Penguin Random House.
