Minister Puri Says Rahul Gandhi's Claims About Epstein Files Are Not True

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has responded to claims made by Rahul Gandhi about the Epstein Files. Puri stated that any meetings he had were public and about business, not anything wrong. He said the claims are not true.
By Newsroom | India, Politics |

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has strongly refuted allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi linking his name to the "Epstein Files." Gandhi, speaking in the Lok Sabha, claimed that US Department of Justice files on Jeffrey Epstein named Hardeep Puri and businessman Anil Ambani. In response, Puri held a press conference to clarify his interactions, which he stated were publicly documented and focused on business and international engagement, not criminal activity. He characterized Gandhi's claims as "baseless," "buffoonery," and having "entertainment value," while also questioning Gandhi's conduct in Parliament.

Hardeep Puri hits back at Rahul Gandhi over Epstein files remark, calls allegations ‘baseless’ and ‘buffoonery’ - 1

Background of the Accusations

Rahul Gandhi, a prominent opposition leader, brought up the "Epstein Files" in the Lok Sabha, alleging that verified information pointed to the presence of Hardeep Singh Puri and Anil Ambani in these documents. The "Epstein Files," stemming from investigations into the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein, contain records related to his alleged sexual abuse of minors and interactions with influential individuals. The US Department of Justice has released further records from these files under a law enacted to provide transparency.

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Hardeep Puri hits back at Rahul Gandhi over Epstein files remark, calls allegations ‘baseless’ and ‘buffoonery’ - 2

Hardeep Puri's Defense and Clarifications

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri addressed the allegations directly, asserting that any mention of his name in connection with Epstein was a matter of public record and occurred during his time as a private citizen and in official capacities.

Hardeep Puri hits back at Rahul Gandhi over Epstein files remark, calls allegations ‘baseless’ and ‘buffoonery’ - 3

  • Nature of Interactions: Puri stated he met Jeffrey Epstein a few times, primarily as part of official delegations, focusing on topics such as business and "Make in India" initiatives. He specified that these interactions were related to economic activities and did not involve any criminal matters.

  • Email Correspondence: Puri referenced a November 13, 2014 email sent to Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn. In this email, copied to Epstein, Puri highlighted India's potential for internet-based economic activity. He emphasized that at this time, he was a private citizen.

  • Organizational Affiliations: Following his retirement as an ambassador, Puri served with the International Peace Institute and as Secretary-General of the Independent Commission on Multilateralism, suggesting his public engagements were within established international frameworks.

  • Characterization of Allegations: Puri described Gandhi's remarks as "baseless allegations" and "elements of buffoonery," suggesting they lacked seriousness and were intended for entertainment.

Rahul Gandhi's Stance and Conduct

Rahul Gandhi presented his claims as based on "verified information" from the "Epstein Files."

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Hardeep Puri hits back at Rahul Gandhi over Epstein files remark, calls allegations ‘baseless’ and ‘buffoonery’ - 4

  • Public Statements: Gandhi reportedly made these allegations to reporters outside Parliament, referencing documents from the US Department of Justice.

  • Parliamentary Behavior: Hardeep Puri criticized Gandhi for leaving the Lok Sabha after delivering his speech, suggesting a pattern of avoiding substantive debate.

Public Domain Information and "Epstein Files" Context

The information cited by both Puri and Gandhi appears to relate to publicly available records concerning Jeffrey Epstein's associates and contacts.

  • Puri's Transparency: Puri maintained that all details of his interactions were in the public domain and that he provided a note to Gandhi when asked about the matter.

  • Epstein Files Scope: The "Epstein Files" themselves are broad, encompassing records related to Epstein's alleged crimes and his network of acquaintances, with new tranches of documents being released under a transparency act.

Expert Analysis and Broader Implications

The exchange highlights the use of sensitive disclosures in political discourse.

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  • Political Motivation: Puri suggested the allegations were politically motivated, aiming to tarnish his reputation.

  • Economic Development Context: Puri contrasted Gandhi's approach with leaders who focus on economic progress, implying a distraction from substantive governance issues.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Hardeep Singh Puri has provided a detailed rebuttal to Rahul Gandhi's allegations concerning the "Epstein Files," asserting that his name's appearance in any documents relates to legitimate professional engagements conducted in the public domain. He has characterized Gandhi's claims as unsubstantiated and politically driven. The situation underscores the importance of verifiable information in public discourse, especially when dealing with sensitive disclosures like those emerging from the "Epstein Files."

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Rahul Gandhi say about Hardeep Puri?
Rahul Gandhi said that Hardeep Puri's name was in papers related to Jeffrey Epstein. Gandhi said this happened in the Lok Sabha.
Q: How did Hardeep Puri answer?
Minister Puri said that Gandhi's claims are not true. He explained that he met Epstein a few times for business talks when he was not a government minister.
Q: Were Puri's meetings with Epstein secret?
No, Puri said his meetings were public and about business or 'Make in India' ideas. He also said he sent an email about business to Epstein in 2014 when he was a private person.
Q: What are the Epstein Files?
The Epstein Files are papers from a case about a man named Jeffrey Epstein. These papers have information about people he knew. More papers are being released to be open with the public.