Sonia Gandhi’s memoir row: BJP questions Congress over ‘fiction’ claims, Congress alleges govt pressure

The decision by Penguin Random House India not to publish Sonia Gandhi’s memoir "Belonging: A Journey of Love" in India has ignited a political controversy between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress. The Congress party has alleged government pressure on the publisher, framing the issue as a threat to freedom of expression. Meanwhile, the BJP has questioned the authenticity of the memoir and the motives behind its publication.

Penguin Random House India confirmed it was not publishing the book in India, clarifying that it had expressed willingness to publish but emphasized its responsibility to fact-check content. The American imprint Alfred A. Knopf, part of Penguin Random House, will release the memoir globally on November 10. Earlier reports suggested Penguin India withdrew after Gandhi refused to remove references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and Chinese military incursions during Modi’s tenure.

BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi stated that whether the book is a memoir or fiction should be assessed by the author and publisher, questioning the political motivations behind its release. BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan accused Congress of hypocrisy, citing former diplomat Natwar Singh’s memoir, where the Nehru-Gandhi family reportedly sought changes before its release.

Congress leaders, including MPs Gaurav Gogoi and Akhilesh Prasad Singh, defended Gandhi, asserting that no publisher should influence an author’s content. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot claimed Penguin Random House India succumbed to government pressure, alleging censorship of references to Modi, the RSS, and China. He questioned why the memoir could be published globally but not in India, calling it an attack on democratic values.

Penguin Random House India denied dropping the book due to government pressure, stating it remained willing to publish but had to uphold editorial standards. The company did not comment further on private discussions with the author.

The controversy highlights broader concerns over freedom of expression, political influence on publishers, and the authenticity of memoirs in India.

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