Jaipur, Aug. 30 -- Senior Rajasthan Congress leaders have accused the Centre of pressuring Penguin Random House India to seek changes to Sonia Gandhi's forthcoming autobiography, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," before its publication in the country. The BJP dismissed the allegation, calling the disagreement a matter between the author and the publisher. Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot described the reported demand for modifications as an attack on freedom of expression and alleged that the publisher had been pressured to remove portions concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the RSS and China's alleged occupation of Indian territory. "Penguin Worldwide is ready to publish Sonia Gandhi's upcoming book in its original form across the world, but Penguin Random House India wants changes before releasing it in India," Gehlot said in a statement on Friday night. "What is the reason or pressure behind something being published worldwide not being allowed to appear in the same form in India?" he asked. Calling Sonia Gandhi's life an example of "sacrifice and dedication", Gehlot alleged that the controversy amounted to the "murder of freedom of expression and democracy". "Why is this truth being hidden from the people of India? Will the Modi government pressure publishers to change facts as well?" he asked. Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasara said the book was not merely an autobiography but also a record of several decades of Indian political history and Sonia Gandhi's experiences. He alleged that pressure was being exerted to remove portions dealing with sensitive political issues, including references to the RSS, the Modi government and China's alleged occupation of Indian territory. "Why are the RSS and the Modi government so afraid of this autobiography? In a democracy, the response to dissent should be dialogue and facts, not bans or pressure," Dotasara said. Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully also alleged that attempts were being made to alter parts of the book before its publication in India. Jully said the autobiography documented Sonia Gandhi's personal struggle, sacrifices and decades of political experience. He claimed that references to China's alleged occupation of Indian territory were among the portions sought to be removed. Calling it an attack on democracy and freedom of expression, Jully asked who was exerting pressure on the publisher and why certain facts were allegedly being kept from the public. The BJP, however, rejected the Congress's allegations and said the Centre had no role in the dispute. Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat told reporters in Jaipur on Saturday that disagreements between an author and a publisher should not be politicised. "If there is a dispute between an author and a publisher, both sides may have their own views and interests. The publisher may have its perspective and the author may have hers. A solution should be found instead of politicising the issue," Shekhawat said. He added that an author could approach another publisher if an agreement could not be reached. "Why is there a need to involve the Indian government in this?" he asked....