Penguin was 'uneasy' with criticism of govt: Sonia Gandhi's 1st reaction to memoir row

NEW DELHI: Congress Parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has said publisher Penguin Random House India was "uneasy" with criticism of the government, in her first reaction to the controversy over the publication of her upcoming memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'. Sonia, speaking to The Guardian, said she was "disappointed", though "not surprised", by Penguin's decision to withdraw as its Indian publisher. The Congress leader described the publisher's move as an attempt to censor her book. Penguin Random House India had initially agreed to publish the memoir but later announced that it would not proceed, citing an impasse over a particular issue during discussions.

The publisher denied that external pressure was behind its decision and declined to disclose details, citing "agreement and author confidentiality". The controversy had triggered questions from Congress leaders over possible government interference and freedom of expression. Reports had suggested disagreements over sections referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the RSS and China's occupation of Indian territory during the PM Modi government. HarperCollins India subsequently announced that it would publish the memoir on November 10, resolving uncertainty over its domestic release.