Members of the Indian Youth Congress gathered at Jantar Mantar on Friday, February 13 to demand the resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. The protest took place in the context of allegations related to the Epstein Files, which were brought to light by Congress. Concurrently, opposition Members of Parliament also staged a protest outside Makar Dwar within the Parliament House complex, calling for Puri’s resignation as the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Rahul Gandhi’s Claims

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asserted that he possesses verified information connecting Hardeep Singh Puri to the recently disclosed files from the United States Department of Justice concerning Jeffrey Epstein. During a press briefing, Gandhi stated, “I have said that I will authenticate the data I have. There are Department of Justice files on Epstein naming Hardeep Puri and Anil Ambani.” He further insinuated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was under pressure related to the India-US nuclear agreement and criticized the government’s management of sensitive matters.

Hardeep Puri’s Response

In response to the accusations, Hardeep Puri characterized the claims as unfounded and likened them to “elements of buffoonery,” dismissing their seriousness. Puri made his comments during a press conference at the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters, where he also responded to Gandhi’s activities in Parliament. He criticized Gandhi for leaving the Lok Sabha after making his speech, stating, “We have a youth leader who placed a few things before the Parliament today. He has a habit of making baseless allegations.” Puri contrasted the actions of what he described as responsible leaders with those who engage in sensationalism.

Political Context

The tension between the opposition and the government has heightened recently, particularly surrounding significant national issues. The allegations against Puri have stirred political discourse, with Congress aiming to hold the government accountable on various fronts, including foreign policy and economic management. The protests at Jantar Mantar and Parliament demonstrate the ongoing friction within Indian politics and the youth’s engagement in calling for transparency and accountability from their leaders.

Further Developments

As the situation unfolds, the Indian Youth Congress and other opposition parties are likely to continue their efforts to demand further clarification on the Epstein allegations and the broader implications for the Modi administration. The political landscape remains tense, with both sides gearing up for potential further confrontations in the coming days. Puri’s dismissal of the allegations has not quelled the opposition’s determination to challenge the government on this front, indicating that this issue may not be resolved quickly.

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