Congress accuses Penguin India of bowing to pressure over Sonia Gandhi memoir

Congress leaders on Friday accused Penguin Random House India of giving in to external pressure over the publication of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love. The publisher, however, defended its decision, stating that "fact-checking and editorial recommendations" are part of its normal publishing process.

The controversy stems from reports that the publisher asked for the removal of passages critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and what the Congress describes as the "occupation" of Indian territory by China. Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot took to social media to question the publisher's move.

"Penguin Worldwide is ready to publish Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji’s upcoming book worldwide in its original form, but Penguin Random House India wants changes made to launch it in India. After all, what is the reason or what pressure is there that what is being published across the world cannot be published in India?" Mr. Gehlot wrote on X.

He further alleged that Ms. Gandhi’s "integrity and dignity" in public life were exemplary and described the decision as a "murder of freedom of expression." He added, "The real issue is that pressure was put on Penguin India to remove the portions related to Modi, the RSS, and the occupation of Indian territory by China during Modi’s rule. This is the murder of democracy."

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath expressed "grave concern" over the publisher's action, questioning whether the decision was independent. "Will the publisher decide what a senior figure like Mrs. Gandhi will write and what she will not? The question also arises whether the publisher is saying this on its own or if there is pressure from someone on it?" he asked.

Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, called Penguin India's statement "weak." He pointed out that the publisher had previously released books by Prime Minister Modi and several titles on the RSS. "No doubt there are those in the BJP government who have now become afraid of a book being read by the people of India," Mr. Gogoi said on X.

Congress Seva Dal chief B.V. Srinivas also attacked the publishing house, accusing it of compromising its editorial independence. In a post on X, he wrote, "Dear Modi’s Penguin, godi mein baithkar ‘editorial independence’ bolna thoda funny lagta hai. Reed ki haddi hoti toh publisher kehlate." (Translating roughly: "Dear Modi's Penguin, it sounds funny when you talk about editorial independence while sitting in someone's lap. If you had a spine, you would be called a publisher.")

Penguin Random House India, in response, said its editorial process includes fact-checking and recommendations, which it described as standard practice. The publisher did not directly address the specific allegations but maintained that it follows the same procedure for all manuscripts.

The memoir, which has generated considerable interest due to the political significance of its author, is expected to be released internationally. The dispute has reignited debates over editorial freedom and the influence of political pressure on publishing in India.

The Congress party has repeatedly accused the central government of suppressing dissent. The latest confrontation with Penguin India adds to a series of disputes over freedom of expression involving publishers and political figures.

There has been no official response from the Prime Minister's Office or the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting regarding the matter. The publisher's final decision on the Indian edition of the memoir remains awaited.