5 days ago
Sonia Gandhi Memoir Row Centers on Three Flashpoints
Sonia Gandhi has written a memoir about her life and political experiences.
Some parts of the book discuss China’s border actions, Narendra Modi’s leadership and government policies.
It also discusses the influence of the RSS on India’s society and politics.
Congress sources say the Indian publisher wanted some parts changed or removed.
Sonia Gandhi reportedly refused because she believed the passages reflected her own experiences and views.
Penguin Random House India says checking facts and suggesting changes is a normal part of publishing.
It also says it was never officially the publisher of the book.
The memoir is still expected to be released internationally, while its Indian publisher remains uncertain.
Congress sources say talks focused on passages about Chinese border incursions, Narendra Modi’s leadership and policies, and the RSS.
Penguin Random House India reportedly proposed editing or removing some passages, which Sonia Gandhi declined.
Penguin India says it was never the book’s publisher and that fact-checking recommendations are a normal publishing responsibility.
The memoir, titled “Belonging: A Journey of Love,” is scheduled for international release by Alfred A. Knopf on November 10.
The book covers Sonia Gandhi’s family tragedies, political entry, Congress presidency and decision to decline the prime minister’s post in 2004.
- Who
- Sonia Gandhi, Penguin Random House India, Alfred A. Knopf and Congress sources are central to the dispute.
- What
- A dispute has emerged over the publication and possible editing of passages in Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, “Belonging: A Journey of Love.”
- Where
- The dispute concerns publication in India, while Alfred A. Knopf is releasing the book internationally.
- When
- The book is scheduled for release on November 10; the publishing dispute was reported before that release.
- Why
- The reported disagreement involved passages on Chinese border incursions, Narendra Modi and government policies, and the RSS, as well as fact-checking and proposed edits.
Congress Sources and Sonia Gandhi
Penguin Random House India
Why publication stalled
Congress Sources and Sonia Gandhi
Congress sources say Penguin India proposed editing or removing passages on China, Narendra Modi and the RSS, and describe the pressure as a “BJP-engineered move.”
Penguin Random House India
Penguin India says it remained willing and keen to publish the book and will not comment on confidential discussions.
Editing and fact-checking
Congress Sources and Sonia Gandhi
Sonia Gandhi reportedly maintained that the facts and views came from her own experience and perspective and were not open to alteration.
Penguin Random House India
Penguin India says fact-checking and recommendations to authors are both its responsibility and a normal part of the publishing process.
Publisher status
Congress Sources and Sonia Gandhi
Congress sources describe discussions with Penguin Random House India before the company decided not to publish the book in India.
Penguin Random House India
Penguin Random House India says it was never the publisher of the book.
Key facts
- Book
- “Belonging: A Journey of Love”
- International publisher
- Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Penguin Random House
- Scheduled release
- November 10
- Reported flashpoints
- Chinese border incursions; Narendra Modi’s leadership and central government policies; and the RSS’s role in India’s social history
- Author’s response
- Sonia Gandhi reportedly declined proposals to edit or remove the disputed passages
- Penguin India’s position
- It says it was never the publisher and that fact-checking recommendations are a normal part of publishing
- Potential Indian publishers
- HarperCollins and other Indian publishers are reportedly seeking the rights
Quotes
Penguin Random House India
The India arm of the publisher involved in discussions over the memoir
“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.”
NDTV
“Much has been written about my family, but few narratives were able to reach into the truth of their motivations, their actions and even their very human failings.”
NDTV
Sources
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