Hardeep Puri Rebuts Rahul Gandhi's Epstein Files Allegation in Parliament
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched a strong counterattack against Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, accusing him of making "baseless allegations" related to the Jeffrey Epstein files and failing to uphold parliamentary responsibility. This response came after Gandhi's speech in the Lok Sabha session, where he dragged Puri's name into a discussion about the so-called Epstein files.
Puri Clarifies His Position on Epstein Files
At a press conference, Puri sought to set the record straight, stating that his name was unnecessarily brought into the Epstein files debate. He emphasized that all information regarding his interactions was already publicly available. "I want to remind you that during today's Parliament session, my name was mentioned in the context of some developments elsewhere, the Epstein files. I want to clarify that these facts are all public," Puri asserted.
He elaborated that nearly three million emails from his tenure as India's Ambassador to the United Nations in New York, spanning from May 2009 to 2017, had been released. "There are references to only three or four meetings, and all my interactions were entirely professional, related to the Independent Commission on Multilateralism and other international work," he added, dismissing any insinuations of impropriety.
Attack on Rahul Gandhi's Leadership Style
Puri criticized Gandhi for what he described as a pattern of leveling accusations without evidence and avoiding substantive debates. "There are two kinds of leaders. One kind assumes responsibility within the political system, dedicates their lives to public service, and transforms the country, taking India from the 10th-largest economy to the fourth, and soon the third-largest. Then there are other leaders who occasionally come to the country, make allegations, and leave Parliament when a substantive reply is given," he remarked.
He further accused Gandhi of walking out of the House after delivering his speech, echoing past tendencies to sidestep meaningful discussion. Without naming Gandhi directly, Puri said, "You know the leader I am referring to..."
Background of Rahul Gandhi's Allegations
Earlier in the Lok Sabha session, Rahul Gandhi had alleged that businessman Anil Ambani was linked to the Epstein files and questioned why he was not in jail. In his speech, Gandhi also targeted Puri, claiming, "I would also like to ask Hardeep Puri, who introduced him to Epstein. I know who introduced him, and Hardeep Puri knows who introduced him..."
This exchange highlights ongoing tensions in Parliament, with Puri's rebuttal focusing on factual clarifications and a critique of opposition tactics during the budget session.
