Sonia Gandhi's memoir row deepens, Congress alleges government pressure

NEW DELHI: A controversy has erupted over the Indian publication of Sonia Gandhi's memoir 'Belonging', with Penguin Random House India (PRHI) reportedly pulling out of the deal following differences with the former Congress president over certain suggested edits.Calling it a "murder of democracy", Congress functionary Ashok Gehlot alleged that "pressure was put on Penguin India to remove the portions related to Narendra Modi, RSS and China's occupation of Indian territory during Modi's rule".Penguin, for its part, issued a carefully worded statement saying: "PRHI is not the publisher of 'Belonging' in India. Any suggestion that PRHI decided not to publish it because the author declined editorial changes does not accurately reflect the circumstances." The publishing house, however, defended its "prerogative and responsibility" to fact-check manuscripts and make recommendations to authors. It also said it remained "willing and keen" to publish the book.