On February 13, Opposition Members of Parliament staged a protest outside Makar Dwar in the Parliament House complex, calling for the resignation of Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. The protest followed allegations raised by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, who questioned Puri’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein, the controversial financier. During the demonstration, MPs from various opposition parties brandished placards questioning the integrity of the minister, with messages like “Who’s grip, who’s choke.”

Claims of Links to Epstein’s Case

Rahul Gandhi asserted that he had confirmed information linking Hardeep Puri to recent disclosures made public by the US Department of Justice involving Epstein. Speaking to reporters, Gandhi expressed concerns regarding the implications of names mentioned in these files, particularly that of Anil Ambani, suggesting that there should be accountability for those mentioned. He questioned why Ambani had not faced incarceration, highlighting what he perceived as a troubling lack of action.

Response from Hardeep Singh Puri

In response to Gandhi’s assertions, Hardeep Singh Puri categorically dismissed the allegations, labeling them unfounded and frivolous. He characterised these claims as “elements of buffoonery” that serve merely as entertainment rather than substantive critiques. Following the opposition’s protest, Puri held a press conference at the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters, where he criticised Gandhi for allegedly evading dialogue in Parliament after his statement.

Minister’s Defense of His Record

During the press conference, Puri underscored the contrast between different types of political leaders, suggesting that some dedicate their efforts towards genuine societal contributions, while others resort to unfounded accusations. He further mocked Gandhi, stating that the latter’s actions often provide entertainment value but lack depth. Puri stated that his limited engagement with Epstein was purely professional, occurring during his eight-year tenure as India’s Ambassador to the United Nations. He clarified that any interactions he had with Epstein were unrelated to serious allegations of misconduct.

Details of Professional Interactions

Puri elaborated that during his time in New York from May 2009 to 2017, there were only a few instances of contact with Epstein that were part of his official capacity. He insisted that these interactions did not link him to the grave accusations associated with Epstein, which have affected numerous victims. According to Puri, these details are publicly accessible, citing the release of three million emails that disclose his professional history during that period.