Opposition’s “Epstein Files” Attack Falls Flat as Hardeep Singh Puri Counters Allegations with Facts

A fresh political controversy triggered by remarks from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the so-called “Epstein Files” has drawn sharp rebuttal from Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who dismissed the accusations as baseless and an example of the Opposition’s “headline-driven politics.”

Responding firmly, Puri clarified that he neither sought nor initiated meetings with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and that his limited interaction occurred only in an official and institutional context long before Epstein’s criminal activities became public knowledge.

“I did not seek the meeting. It was arranged through institutional channels. Selectively quoting emails without context is misleading,” the minister said, rejecting the allegations outright.

Facts Versus Political Narrative

According to Puri, his name appears only a handful of times among millions of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice, which recently made public a massive archive related to Epstein’s investigations. The minister emphasized that mere references in large datasets cannot be equated with wrongdoing.

He also pointed out that during the period in question he had no association with the Bharatiya Janata Party, and was engaging internationally in a professional capacity, promoting India’s economic and technological prospects.

Puri categorically denied ever visiting Epstein’s island or travelling on any aircraft linked to him, adding that revelations about Epstein’s crimes surfaced years later. He further stated that once concerns arose regarding individuals connected through the International Peace Institute, he ended his association.

Government Hits Back at Opposition Strategy

Leaders within the ruling establishment have accused the Opposition of attempting to manufacture controversy after repeated failures to corner the government on governance and policy issues. Political observers say the episode reflects a broader pattern in which sensational allegations are raised without substantiated evidence, leading to repeated disruptions in Parliament.

Government supporters argue that instead of engaging in constructive debate on economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and India’s global positioning, sections of the Opposition are relying on personal attacks designed to generate media attention.

Parliament Disruptions Under Scrutiny

The latest row has also reignited criticism over frequent parliamentary logjams, with ruling party leaders accusing the Indian National Congress of prioritising political theatre over legislative responsibility.

Analysts note that repeated controversies based on selective interpretations risk diluting serious democratic debate and distracting from pressing national issues, including development initiatives and economic reforms.

Minister Stands Firm

Reiterating his position, Puri said his interactions were limited to discussions on India’s growth trajectory and outreach to global investors and technology leaders. “My public record is transparent. Attempts to create controversy out of nothing will not succeed,” he asserted.

As the political exchange intensifies, the government maintains that facts — not rhetoric — will ultimately prevail, while calling on the Opposition to engage in constructive and issue-based politics rather than what ruling leaders describe as “manufactured outrage.”