Kerala CM Satheesan slams ‘censorship’ over Sonia Gandhi memoir row

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Saturday criticised the Penguin Random House India over the controversy surrounding Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s memoir.

In a post on social media platform X, Satheesan questioned the decision of the publishing house regarding ‘Belonging: A Journey of Love’, Sonia Gandhi’s memoir.

“A publishing house that compromises its spine compromises democracy itself,” the Chief Minister said.

He alleged that the decision to not publish the Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s memoir in India was deeply concerning.

He also questioned the reported demand for changes to parts of the book.

“When a global publisher can release a book worldwide in its original form, why the sudden urge to censor and edit facts in India?” he asked.

Satheesan alleged that the controversy was the result of pressure from the Central government.

“This institutional cowardice is the direct fallout of a Central government that governs through intimidation and is terrified of the unvarnished truth,” he said.

He also added that facts should not be changed to suit those who are in power.

“Truth cannot be edited away to appease those in power,” Satheesan said.

The controversy follows reports that Penguin Random House India had sought changes in certain portions of Sonia Gandhi’s memoir.

The reported changes included references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and China.

Sonia Gandhi is understood to have disagreed with the proposed changes in the content of her book.

Reports subsequently said the Indian publication deal had fallen through.

The book is scheduled to be released internationally on November 10 through Alfred A Knopf, a Penguin Random House imprint.

The controversy has now turned into a major political issue in the country.

Satheesan said suppressing facts would only expose a fear of accountability and transparency.

“In a thriving democracy, facts must be met with debate, not institutional capitulation,” he added.

The memoir is expected to cover Sonia Gandhi’s life in Italy, her marriage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and her years with the Congress’ first family.

The dispute over its Indian publication has also triggered a wider debate over editorial freedom and the role of publishers in handling politically sensitive material.

IANS