Penguin India Drops Sonia Gandhi Memoir; Congress Alleges Political Pressure

Penguin India has decided not to publish Sonia Gandhi's memoir, Belonging, a little over two months before its scheduled release. The publisher has stated that it was willing to proceed with the book, but the Congress party has accused the company of bowing to pressure from the central government.

The controversy centres on portions of the manuscript that reportedly discuss Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and India-China relations. Congress leaders have alleged that these sections prompted the BJP to lean on the publisher, leading to the abrupt cancellation.

While Penguin has not detailed the reasons for the withdrawal, the party's claim points to a growing pattern of friction between publishing houses and the political establishment. The memoir, which was expected to offer a personal account of Gandhi's life and political career, will now not reach readers through Penguin India.

The development has sparked debate over the independence of publishing in India, though no official statement from the government has been issued on the matter. The Congress has indicated it will pursue the issue, framing the decision as an attack on free expression.