Publication company issued statement on report of not publishing Sonia Gandhi's book
Published 28 August 2026, 16:12 IST
Updated 4 hours ago
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Regarding Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's much-awaited memoir book 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', publishing company Penguin Random House India has issued a statement saying that it is not the publisher of this book in India.
However, earlier in a report the English newspaper Indian Express had claimed that Penguin Random House India has withdrawn from its publication.
According to the newspaper report, the publisher had asked Sonia Gandhi to edit and remove some parts of the book, which she refused.
At the same time, in a statement, Penguin Random House India has said that it is not the publisher of 'Belonging' in India.
What did Penguin say in the statement?
In a statement, Penguin said, "Penguin Random House India is not the publisher of 'Belonging' in India. To suggest that Penguin Random House India decided not to publish 'Belonging' because the author rejected editorial changes does not accurately reflect the circumstances."
Penguin said in its statement, "It is both our privilege and responsibility as a publisher to fact-check and make recommendations that are in the best interest of both the book and the author."
Penguin described editorial suggestions for the book as a normal part of the publishing process and said it was ready and willing to publish it.
Penguin said, "Penguin Random House India's position during discussions on the book was that we remained ready and extremely willing to publish the book."
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Penguin has also said that it will not comment further on confidential discussions held with the author.
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According to the Indian Express, the release of Sonia Gandhi's book was scheduled for November 10. It was first announced by Alfred A. Knopf, the America-based division of Penguin Random House.
Knop had told that one lakh copies of this book will be prepared in the first print.
According to the Express report, after Penguin's withdrawal, many publishers have shown interest in publishing this book and HarperCollins is close to an agreement for the publication and distribution of this book in India.
In a statement regarding this book, Knopf called it a fascinating memoir of one of the world's most powerful women leaders.
Knopp said, "This memoir tells a rich and fascinating story of love, family, and a very interesting country, India."
Knopf's statement quoted Sonia Gandhi as saying, "Much has been written about my family, but very few narratives have been able to get to the truth of their motivations, their actions, and even their human shortcomings. My story will also offer readers a unique perspective on the social and political changes to which I have been witness for six decades."
political reactions
Congress and its associated organizations are reacting sharply to the Indian Express report.
Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Kamal Nath wrote on Twitter, "The publisher's refusal to publish the autobiography of our respected leader Sonia Gandhi is a matter of utmost concern."
Kamal Nath asked, "The publisher will decide what a senior person like Mrs. Gandhi will write and what not? The question is also whether the publisher himself is saying this or is he under pressure from someone?"
Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot wrote, "Penguin Worldwide Company is ready to publish Sonia Gandhiji's upcoming book worldwide in its original form, but Penguin Random House India wants to make changes to launch it in India. After all, what is the reason or what is the pressure that something that is being published across the world cannot be published in India?"
Kerala Congress wrote in a post on X, "The peacock blocking the way for the penguin is just the imagination of one old man. No one can stop Belonging from reaching you."
Congress MLA from Maharashtra Aslam Shaikh wrote on
He said, "In a democracy, disturbing truth should be heard and not silently edited out."
While commenting on this development, journalist Mukesh Kumar said on
Journalist Swati Chaturvedi posted on
