BJP Slams Congress Over 'Fabricated' Epstein Files Allegation Against PM Modi
The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing it of spreading misinformation against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by allegedly twisting a generic email fragment from investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein into a political smear campaign. The saffron party has asserted that there is zero evidence of any direct or indirect interaction between the Prime Minister and the convicted sex trafficker.
Congress Post on X Sparks Controversy
This controversy erupted after the Congress party posted on the social media platform X a purported email linked to the US Department of Justice website, alleging that PM Modi's name has surfaced in the Epstein files. The opposition party demanded an immediate clarification from the Prime Minister regarding this matter.
Terming the Congress's post as a fraud, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra accused the opposition of sharing a doctored document to malign the Prime Minister's image and dent India's global reputation. The Congress added the words, 'his advice' in Jeffrey Epstein's email by editing it to portray as if Prime Minister Modi took some advice from him. These words were not in the original email. Congress added these words by fraudulently editing the email, Patra charged vehemently.
India's Official Rejection of the Reference
On January 31, India categorically rejected the reference to PM Modi in the Epstein investigative files, describing it as little more than trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal that deserves to be dismissed with the utmost contempt. The latest files relating to the convicted sex trafficker were released by US authorities, prompting this strong response from New Delhi.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated in an official release, We have seen reports of an email message from the so-called Epstein files that has a reference to the Prime Minister and his visit to Israel. This statement underscores the government's firm stance against what it perceives as baseless allegations.
BJP Leaders Denounce 'Fake News'
BJP leader Amit Malviya, who heads the party's IT department, flagged the Congress post on X as fake news. He emphasized that the opposition's sensational claim about Epstein writing that PM Modi took his advice to dance and sing in Israel is a gross distortion of facts. None of the Epstein documents released by the US House Oversight Committee indicate that Modi had ever sought, received, or acted on Epstein's personal advice on dancing and singing or anything else, nor do they show any contact between the two, Malviya clarified in his post.
He further alleged that independent fact-checks confirm there is zero evidence of any direct or indirect interaction or advisory role between Modi and Epstein. Malviya pointed out that PM Modi's 2017 visit to Israel was a landmark diplomatic engagement focused on defence, technology, and trade, with routine cultural courtesies typical of state visits, not some imagined Epstein-linked scheme.
Congress's Response and Allegations
In response, Congress leaders have maintained their stance. Congress leader Pawan Khera posted on X, calling it a matter of national shame that Epstein wrote about PM Modi taking his advice. Meanwhile, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh described the situation as getting more scandalous and criticized the Prime Minister's silence as unacceptable.
The BJP, however, remains steadfast in its condemnation. The Congress's post twists a generic email fragment into a political smear, conveniently ignoring the well-established fact that Epstein was a habitual name-dropper who exaggerated connections to project influence, Malviya charged, highlighting the alleged motives behind the opposition's actions.
Political Fallout and Future Implications
This incident has escalated into a significant political row, with the BJP warning of consequences for such fraudulent activities. Patra asserted that the people of India will give a befitting reply to the Congress for attempting to tarnish the Prime Minister's image through fabricated social media posts.
As the debate intensifies, both parties are leveraging this issue to score political points ahead of upcoming elections. The BJP's strong rebuttal and India's official rejection aim to quell any misinformation, while the Congress continues to press for accountability and transparency from the government.
With agency inputs contributing to the broader narrative, this episode underscores the volatile nature of political discourse in India, where allegations and counter-allegations often dominate headlines, shaping public opinion and electoral dynamics.
