Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot stated Sonia Gandhi’s “integrity and dignity” in public life have been exemplary and alleged that suppressing her ebook beneath strain amounted to a “homicide of freedom of expression”. File
| Picture Credit score: PTI
Congress leaders on Friday (August 28, 2026) accused Penguin Random House India of giving in to strain over the publication of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, with senior occasion chief Ashok Gehlot alleging that the writer sought to take away parts vital of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the RSS, and the alleged “occupation” of Indian territory by China.
The Congress reactions got here after Penguin Random Home India issued a press release, saying that “fact-checking and editorial suggestions” have been a part of its regular publishing course of.
“Penguin Worldwide is able to publish Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji’s upcoming ebook worldwide in its authentic kind, however Penguin Random Home India needs adjustments made to launch it in India. In spite of everything, what’s the motive or what strain is there that what’s being revealed internationally can’t be revealed in India?” Mr. Gehlot stated in a put up on X.
‘Homicide of democracy’
He stated Ms. Gandhi’s “integrity and dignity” in public life have been exemplary and alleged that suppressing her ebook beneath strain amounted to a “homicide of freedom of expression”.
“The actual challenge is that strain was placed on Penguin India to take away the parts associated to Modi, the RSS, and the occupation of Indian territory by China throughout Modi’s rule. That is the homicide of democracy,” he alleged.
Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath termed the writer’s refusal to convey out the memoir in India a matter of “grave concern” and questioned whether or not the choice had been taken independently.
“Will the writer determine what a senior determine like Mrs. Gandhi will write and what she is not going to? The query additionally arises whether or not the writer is saying this by itself or if there’s strain from somebody on it?” Mr. Nath stated.
‘Editorial independence compromised’
Congress deputy chief within the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi described Penguin India’s assertion on the controversy as “weak”.
“Such a weak assertion. Penguin India is very happy to publish Examination Warriors [written by Mr. Modi] and a number of other books on the RSS. Little doubt there are these within the BJP authorities who’ve now change into afraid of a ebook being learn by the individuals of India,” Mr. Gogoi stated on X.
Congress Seva Dal chief B.V. Srinivas additionally attacked the publishing home, accusing it of compromising its editorial independence.
“Pricey Modi’s Penguin, godi mein baithkar ‘editorial independence’ bolna thoda humorous lagta hai. Reed ki haddi hoti toh writer kehlate [Dear Modi’s Penguin, it sounds funny when you talk about ‘editorial independence’ while sitting on the lap. If you had a spine, you would have been called a publisher],” Mr. Srinivas stated in a put up on X.
Printed – August 28, 2026 08:52 pm IST
