New Delhi: The Indian edition of Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, ‘Belonging: A Journey of Love’, will feature a distinct front cover compared to its international release. While the global edition features a close-up portrait of Sonia Gandhi, the Indian edition will display a photograph of her wearing a saree, a picture reportedly taken by her late husband, Rajiv Gandhi. Sources suggest that HarperCollins is set to bring the Indian edition to the market.

Internationally, the memoir is being published by Penguin. Alfred A Knopf, an imprint of US-based Penguin Random House, was the first to announce the book's release. However, Penguin Random House India backed out of publishing the book after requesting Sonia Gandhi to delete roughly four sections from the manuscript, a demand she refused.

While there is no official clarification regarding the specific passages requested for deletion, Congress sources indicate they involved the following issues.

Modi's 'Jersey Cow' remark: In 2004, Narendra Modi referred to Sonia Gandhi as a “jersey cow” during a public rally in Gujarat. Reports suggest Sonia Gandhi addressed this incident in detail in her autobiography, and the publisher had requested the complete removal of this section.

Meetings with PM Modi: The memoir reportedly details her interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, comparing him with former prime ministers. Penguin India reportedly sought modifications to these passages, which Sonia Gandhi declined.

India–China border relations: Penguin India expressed reservations over sections discussing India–China relations and alleged Chinese incursions along the border. Sonia Gandhi refused to alter these portions. Both Sonia Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, have consistently demanded that the Union Government reveal the truth about the ground situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), accusing the administration of making false claims.

Critique of the RSS: Another point of contention was a section written about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Penguin India requested its deletion, but Sonia Gandhi remained firm.

These editorial disagreements ultimately led to Penguin Random House India pulling out of the publication.