Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi. This response follows Gandhi’s allegations linking the Minister to the controversial ‘Epstein files.’ Puri dismissed the claims as “baseless allegations” and labeled the Congress leader’s conduct in Parliament as a display of “buffoonery” with high “entertainment value.”
Minister Refutes Allegations with Contextual Facts
Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, Hardeep Singh Puri clarified his stance regarding the mention of his name in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The Minister noted that during his eight-year tenure as India’s Ambassador to the United Nations in New York (2009–2017), he moved in high-profile diplomatic and social circles.
He confirmed meeting Epstein on three or four occasions over those eight years but maintained these interactions were strictly professional or social in nature, within a public domain context. He stressed that these meetings had no connection to the serious allegations of sexual abuse associated with Epstein.
The “Buffoonery” Jibe at LoP’s Parliamentary Conduct
The Union Minister did not hold back in his criticism of Rahul Gandhi’s behavior within the House. Puri pointed out that Gandhi has a pattern of making serious charges and then leaving the Parliament floor before a substantive reply can be given.
“What Rahul Gandhi does has a lot of entertainment value,” Puri remarked, contrasting Gandhi’s approach with leaders who focus on transforming India from the world’s 10th-largest economy to the 3rd-largest. He suggested that the Congress leader’s tendency to “walk out” reflects a lack of political responsibility.
Rahul Gandhi’s Claims on DOJ Files
Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi had claimed at the Parliament premises that he possessed verified information. He alleged that Department of Justice (DOJ) files regarding the Epstein case named both Hardeep Puri and industrialist Anil Ambani.
Gandhi asserted that he was ready to authenticate the data in his possession. However, the government has consistently maintained that these references are being misinterpreted or taken out of context to create political drama.
Internal and External Clarifications
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has previously addressed similar leaks. On January 31, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2017 Israel visit found in these files as the “trashy ruminations” of a criminal.
Puri echoed this sentiment, stating that 3 million emails are already in the public domain and that Gandhi is simply “linking a camel to a barking dog in another city.” He advised the Congress leader to consult a dictionary and study the Economic Survey more closely before making public statements.
A Pattern of Allegations and Apologies
During his rebuttal, Puri reminded the media of past instances where the Rae Bareli MP had to backtrack on his claims. He cited the “Brazilian model” incident and the tearing of an ordinance during the Manmohan Singh era as examples of Gandhi’s impulsive political style.
The Minister concluded by stating that while the opposition’s antics might provide entertainment, they lack the depth required for serious national discourse. He emphasized that the government remains focused on trade agreements and economic growth rather than responding to “vulgarity” in political allegations.
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