Sonia Gandhi Memoir Dropped by Penguin India Amid Content Row!

In a significant development in India's publishing world, Penguin Random House India announced on Friday, August 28, 2026, that it would not be publishing Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's much-anticipated autobiography, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love.' This decision has sent ripples across political and literary circles, with industry sources pointing to disagreements over the book's content.

According to these sources, the core issue stemmed from sections within the manuscript that included Mrs. Gandhi's impressions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from official meetings, her views on India-China relations, and her perspective on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its activities. It's reported that during the legal scrutiny phase, feedback was given to remove or alter these sensitive sections.

However, Mrs. Gandhi reportedly declined, asserting that the book was her life story, and self-censorship would compromise her narrative.

Responding to the swirling reports, Penguin Random House India issued a statement, clarifying its position.

The publisher stated, "Penguin Random House India is not the publisher of 'Belonging' in India.

Any suggestion that Penguin Random House India decided not to publish 'Belonging' because the author declined editorial changes does not accurately reflect the circumstances." The statement further emphasized their commitment to the publishing process: "As a publisher, it is both our prerogative and our responsibility to fact-check and provide authors with recommendations that are in the best interests of their books. This is a normal part of the publishing process.

Throughout the relevant discussions, Penguin Random House India's position was that we remained willing and keen to publish the book."

The Congress party, meanwhile, has been quick to allege that Penguin India succumbed to 'pressure' to demand changes in Mrs. Gandhi's memoir, hinting at external influence. Mrs.

Gandhi has reportedly been working on the book for several years, consulting close friends and authors.

'Belonging: A Journey of Love' was expected to trace Sonia Gandhi's personal journey from post-war Italy to her life in India, her marriage to Rajiv Gandhi, and her experiences within the Nehru-Gandhi family. It was also anticipated to delve into themes of love, loss, and her historic decision to decline India's top job.

With Penguin Random House India stepping back, several other publishers are now reportedly in the race to acquire and distribute the book, indicating continued high interest in Mrs.

Gandhi's personal account.

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