Issue between author-publisher should be resolved by them, not turned political: Shekhawat on Sonia Gandhi's book

Jaipur, Aug 29 (IANS) Union Culture and Tourism Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, on Saturday criticised the Congress over the controversy surrounding the proposed publication of Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi's memoir, questioning the need to involve the Government in what he described as a matter between an author and a publisher which should not have been turned political. 

Responding to questions about reports that the Indian arm of the publisher had declined to release the book in India, Shekhawat said that any disagreement between an author and a publisher should be resolved between the two parties rather than being turned into a political issue.

“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?” Shekhawat said.

The controversy follows reports that Sonia Gandhi’s book, which was expected to be released in India on November 10, faced difficulties over its publication.

The Congress has questioned the decision by the Indian office of Penguin India not to publish the book, amid allegations that pressure may have been exerted to remove certain passages from the book. However, the allegations have not been established.

The controversy has reportedly centred on portions dealing with China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS. The Congress has raised questions over freedom of expression and the circumstances surrounding the publication decision.

Speaking about the ongoing local body elections in Rajasthan, Shekhawat expressed confidence that the BJP would secure a major victory across the state. Shekhawat said the BJP was receiving strong public support and claimed that the party would win with a “massive majority” not only in Jaipur but across Rajasthan. He said the election results, expected within the next 10–12 days, would provide a clear picture of the political situation in the state.

Taking a swipe at former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Shekhawat said Gehlot would have to reassess his political assessment after the results and examine the internal differences within the Congress.

Earlier, Gehlot had said, "Look, regarding the book by author Sonia Ji, the moment it was announced that it would be published on November 10, there was nationwide anticipation for its release. Then came the shocking news: While Penguin India’s global parent company was ready to publish the book, the Indian office was not. What could be the reason for this? There is some pressure involved, whether from the PMO or elsewhere, only time will tell.

"Suddenly, the news emerged that the author, Sonia Ji, was asked to remove certain excerpts. How could she agree to that? She refused. That is the crux of the matter."

"Presumably, the discomfort arose because the book contained comments regarding China, Modi Ji, and the RSS. So, where is the democracy in that," questioned Gehlot.

Shekhawat maintained that the election outcome would expose the gap between the Congress’ claims and the ground reality.

--IANS

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