Sonia Gandhi memoir: PRHI denies external pressure, cites ‘a particular issue’
Penguin Random House India has denied that external political pressure caused the cancellation of Sonia Gandhi's memoir, 'Belonging'. The publisher stated that the decision resulted from an impasse over a specific, confidential issue.
Why it matters
The situation touches on concerns regarding freedom of expression and potential censorship in the Indian publishing industry.
Maintaining that there was no external pressure behind its decision not to publish Sonia Gandhi's memoir, Penguin Random House India on Monday (August 31, 2026) said there was an impasse over “a particular issue” during discussions on the "Belonging: A Journey of Love" .
The publisher didn't disclose the contentious issue, citing "agreement and author confidentiality".
The fresh clarification comes amid a controversy over the Indian publication of the Congress leader’s much-anticipated memoir following an announcement by the U.S.-based Alfred A Knopf, an imprint of Penguin Random House, that the book would be released worldwide on November 10.
Several Congress leaders have raised issues of governmental pressure and freedom of expression. Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot alleged that pressure was put on Penguin India to remove sections relating to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the RSS and China's occupation of Indian territory during the PM Modi regime.
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