Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday firmly rejected allegations linking his name to the so-called Epstein files, calling the claims misleading and politically motivated. Speaking during the ongoing Parliament session, Puri clarified that any references to him in the publicly released documents were strictly professional and unrelated to criminal investigations surrounding Jeffrey Epstein.
“I want to remind you that today, during the Parliament session, my name was mentioned in the context of some developments elsewhere, the Epstein files,” Puri said. He stressed that over three million emails have been made public, covering the period from May 2009, when he served as India’s Ambassador to the United Nations in New York, until he became a Union minister in 2017. “During this period, there are references to only three or four meetings, and my interactions were entirely professional, related to the Independent Commission on Multilateralism and other international work,” he added.
Hardeep Puri cleared all rumours regarding his name in the Epstein files in detail, so even low-IQ Congressis can understand- pic.twitter.com/AmhCVixsq7
— Political Kida (@PoliticalKida) February 11, 2026
The controversy escalated after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi referred to the issue, prompting a sharp rebuttal from Puri. The minister emphasised that the Epstein files concern serious criminal allegations, including charges of sexual exploitation and abuse. “The Epstein Files are about wrongdoing, criminal offences… charges of paedophilia. My interaction had nothing to do with that,” he said, distancing himself unequivocally from any insinuation of misconduct.
Puri did not hold back in criticising Rahul Gandhi’s remarks. He accused the Congress leader of making “baseless allegations” and engaging in what he termed “elements of buffoonery.” Clarifying his choice of words, Puri said he was careful not to directly label Gandhi a buffoon but insisted that certain political theatrics diminish serious discourse. Drawing a contrast, he described two kinds of leaders: those who dedicate their lives to public service and those who, in his words, “occasionally come to the country, sometimes travel abroad,” and fail to engage constructively in parliamentary proceedings.
The minister also referenced past parliamentary episodes, including debates around Constitution Day, to argue that opposition tactics often rely more on symbolism than substance. He defended the government’s record, stating that India’s rise from the 10th-largest economy to the fourth-largest globally reflects consistent leadership and policy continuity.
The political exchange underscores the increasingly combative tone of Parliament sessions as elections approach. While the Opposition seeks to question transparency and accountability, the government has responded with firm denials and counterattacks. The mention of Epstein, a figure synonymous worldwide with scandal, has inevitably heightened public curiosity and media scrutiny.
