Penguin Random House India is categorial in its response: "It's not the publisher of 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', Sonia Gandhi's upcoming memoir, in India".
The statement from Penguin comes amid reports that the publisher backed out after Sonia Gandhi refused "editorial" changes.
"Penguin Random House India is not the publisher of Belonging in India. Any suggestion that Penguin Random House India decided not to publish Belonging because the author declined editorial changes does not accurately reflect the circumstances," the company said in a statement.
The publisher did acknowledge that they were "keen to publish the book", adding that it is their responsibility to fact check authors and provide recommendations, hinting at the discussion around the book with Sonia Gandhi.
"As a publisher, it is both our prerogative and our responsibility to fact check and provide authors with recommendations that are in the best interests of their books. This is a normal part of the publishing process," the statement said.
The publisher though refused to divulge the details of the discussion with the author.
"Throughout the relevant discussions, Penguin Random House India's position was that we remained willing and keen to publish the book. We will not comment further on confidential discussions with the author," the statement added.
Publisher Alfred A Knopf, a giant in American publishing, has announced that Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's memoir will be released on November 10.
"Much has been written about my family, but few narratives were able to reach into the truth of their motivations, their actions and even their very human failings," Sonia Gandhi said in a statement issued through Knopf. "In many ways, this book is a homage to their humanness. My story also offers readers a unique perspective of the social and political changes I have witnessed for six decades in the beautiful country of my belonging."
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
