A new dispute has arisen surrounding the book 'Belonging: A Journey of Love' by Sonia Gandhi, former Congress president. Penguin Random House India issued a statement on Friday asserting that it is not the publisher of this book in India.
This statement followed an announcement several weeks ago by American publisher Alfred A. Knopf regarding the book's release on November 10. One media report claimed that the publisher withdrew from printing the book after Sonia Gandhi refused to make changes to the manuscript. However, Penguin Random House India called this claim inaccurate.
The company stated in its message that it has always shown interest in publishing this book and was prepared to do so. Furthermore, it was noted that fact-checking and providing recommendations to authors are standard parts of the publishing process, which is both their right and obligation. The publishing house added that it would not comment on confidential negotiations with the author.
It is currently unclear who will handle the distribution of the book in India. Nevertheless, the e-version is available for pre-order on the Amazon online store for 2615 rupees. According to Amazon data, the e-book was published by William Collins, who is part of HarperCollins UK.
Since Alfred A. Knopf announced the book, there have been continuous discussions about its release in India. 79-year-old Sonia Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader and one of the most discussed figures in Indian politics, shares in this book the story of her personal life. She recounts her marriage into a powerful political family, the pain of losing Rajiv Gandhi, which led her into politics, as well as aspects such as her decision not to take the post of Prime Minister in 2004.
According to the publisher, the book covers her journey from childhood spent in Italy to the love story that brought her to India, and the tragedies that changed her life.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi reacted to Penguin Random House India's statement regarding Sonia Gandhi's book 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'. Gaurav Gogoi called the publisher's statement a 'weak statement'. He asserted that Penguin India does not have issues publishing books such as 'Exam Warriors' and books about RSS. He accused some people in the Bharatiya Janata Party government now of being afraid that Indians will read any books.