Kerala CM calls Penguin's decision on Sonia Gandhi memoir 'institutional cowardice'

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has expressed deep concern over reports that Penguin Random House India has decided against publishing Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'. In a post on X, he described the move as "institutional cowardice" and a blow to democratic values.

Mr. Satheesan argued that a publishing house that compromises its integrity compromises democracy itself. He questioned why a global publisher, which can release the book in its original form worldwide, would suddenly seek to censor or edit facts in India.

The Chief Minister attributed the decision to a Central government that, in his view, governs through intimidation and is afraid of the unvarnished truth. He asserted that truth cannot be edited away to appease those in power, and that suppressing facts only reveals a fear of accountability and transparency.

In a thriving democracy, he added, facts should be met with debate, not institutional capitulation. His remarks come amid a growing political row over the reported decision by the publishing house.