Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri responds to Rahul Gandhi's allegations regarding Epstein file
New Delhi: Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday issued a detailed clarification, dismissing opposition leader Rahul Gandhi's allegations regarding the Epstein file as baseless and saying his name was being falsely linked to the matter.
At a press conference here, Puri said an attempt was being made to create unnecessary controversy in this matter. Making baseless allegations has become Gandhi's habit. His political rhetoric is more marked by an "entertainment element." He added that many documents related to the Epstein file are already in the public domain, and approximately 3 million emails have been released.
Puri clarified that he served as India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York for eight years, starting in May 2009, and became a Minister in 2017. During this period, he met with numerous global figures at international meetings and events, including three or four meetings with Epstein.
Hardeep Puri stated that shortly after retiring from the Foreign Service, he was invited to join the International Peace Institute (IPI), although he was not a regular member of the organization. He met Epstein during its events or as part of a delegation, and these were merely part of programs related to international issues.
The Union Minister stated that his primary contact at that time was with LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman. Puri further stated that he had no involvement with Epstein's island.
Hardeep Puri stated that presenting these meetings out of context is inappropriate and an attempt to mislead the public. He advised Rahul Gandhi to conduct politics based on facts, saying that it is the responsibility of all public representatives to present accurate information to the nation.
He stated that there are two types of leaders in the country. One like Rahul Gandhi, and the other who take responsibility in the political system and dedicate their lives to social service and transforming the country. He said that it is because of such leadership that India is on its way to becoming the third largest economy