Raipur, Aug. 30 -- Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel alleged that the government is exerting pressure to block the publication of Sonia Gandhi's memoir, saying her bold and fearless account as UPA chairperson could "affect the BJP's health" and that attempts are therefore being made to prevent its release.

On Saturday, Baghel told reporters that, "You can understand how much pressure the government and the public relations department exerts. Sonia Gandhi is someone who speaks boldly, a fearless woman, and the chairperson of UPA. Whatever she writes might affect the BJP's health. That's why they don't want it to be published."

His remarks came amid a controversy over the publication of Sonia Gandhi's memoir 'Belonging', after Penguin Random...