Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Penguin India Faces Criticism Over Sonia Gandhi Memoir
A writer says Penguin Random House India made a serious mistake involving Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, called “Belonging.”
The book was expected to come out in November.
According to the article, Penguin editors asked questions about some parts of the manuscript.
One example involved the phrase “jersey cow,” which the prime minister reportedly used about Sonia Gandhi.
The writer believes the publisher may have been worried about upsetting the government.
The writer also says Penguin India has withdrawn at least three other books in the previous six months.
The article argues that books should help people learn about history and express different opinions.
Penguin’s explanation is described by the writer as unclear, although the article provides no detailed publisher statement.
The article criticizes Penguin Random House India for withdrawing Sonia Gandhi’s forthcoming memoir, “Belonging.”
It says editors questioned passages about incidents and comments, including the phrase “jersey cow” attributed to the prime minister.
The author claims Penguin India has withdrawn at least three books during the past six months.
The article argues that publishers should protect dissent, truth, and freedom of expression.
The memoir was scheduled for release in November, but the article says its contents were not yet publicly known.
- Who
- Penguin Random House India, Sonia Gandhi, and the article’s author.
- What
- The article criticizes the reported withdrawal of Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, “Belonging,” and Penguin India’s broader publishing decisions.
- When
- The memoir was slated for release in November; the article also refers to at least three book withdrawals during the preceding six months.
- Where
- India, involving Penguin Random House India.
- Why
- According to the article, editors questioned passages concerning political incidents and comments, while the author alleges the publisher was responding to government pressure.
Author’s criticism
Publisher’s reported concerns
Withdrawal of the memoir
Author’s criticism
The author says withdrawing “Belonging” is unacceptable and argues that a memoir should preserve personal truth and historical experience.
Publisher’s reported concerns
The article says Penguin editors questioned aspects of the manuscript, but it does not provide a detailed explanation of the publisher’s position.
Political pressure
Author’s criticism
The author alleges that Penguin India has bowed to pressure from the ruling party and has helped suppress dissent.
Publisher’s reported concerns
The reported editorial questions suggest the publisher had concerns about specific incidents and comments, but the article does not establish whether government pressure caused the decision.
Role of publishing
Author’s criticism
The author argues that publishing houses should defend liberal values, truth, and freedom of expression.
Publisher’s reported concerns
The article presents Penguin’s actions as cautious and protective toward the government, but does not state a broader justification from the publisher.
- Book
- Sonia Gandhi’s autobiography, “Belonging”
- Planned release
- November
- Publisher
- Penguin Random House India
- Reported editorial concern
- Passages about certain incidents and comments, including “jersey cow”
- Other withdrawals
- The article claims at least three books were pulled during the previous six months
- Article’s central criticism
- The publisher is accused of failing to defend dissent and freedom of expression