Jaipur, August 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Saturday criticised the Congress over the controversy surrounding the proposed publication of Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, saying any dispute between an author and a publisher should be settled by the two parties rather than turned into a political issue.
Reacting to reports that Penguin India had declined to publish the book in India, Shekhawat questioned the need to involve the Union government in the matter.
“If there is a conflict between an author and a publisher, both may have their own views and interests. The matter should be resolved accordingly. Instead of politicising it, the author could simply have approached another publisher. What is the need to drag the Government of India into it?” he said.
The controversy emerged after reports that Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, expected to be released in India on November 10, had encountered difficulties over its publication. The Congress has questioned Penguin India’s reported decision not to publish the book and alleged that pressure may have been exerted to remove certain passages. These allegations, however, have not been established.
The reported dispute has centred on passages concerning China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), prompting the Congress to raise concerns over freedom of expression and the circumstances surrounding the publication decision.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had earlier questioned the reported developments, saying there was nationwide anticipation after the November 10 publication date was announced. He claimed that while Penguin’s global parent company was prepared to publish the book, its Indian office was not, and suggested that “some pressure” could have been involved.
Gehlot also said Sonia Gandhi had reportedly been asked to remove certain excerpts and refused, arguing that the reported concerns related to references to China, Modi and the RSS.
Meanwhile, speaking about Rajasthan’s ongoing local body elections, Shekhawat expressed confidence that the BJP would secure a “massive majority” in Jaipur as well as across the state.
He said the BJP was receiving strong public support and that the results, expected within the next 10–12 days, would indicate the political situation in Rajasthan.
Taking a dig at Gehlot, Shekhawat said the former Chief Minister would have to reassess his political assessment after the results and examine the internal differences within the Congress.
Shekhawat said the election verdict would reveal the difference between the Congress’ claims and the ground reality.
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