Jeffrey Epstein Files: Hardeep Puri slams Rahul Gandhi for making 'baseless' accusations; issues clarification

New Delhi: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday hit back at Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha over his name appearing in the Epstein Files, clarifying that he had met disgraced American financier Jeffrey Epstein only "on a few occasions as part of a delegation" and had exchanged only one email with him. Hours after Rahul Gandhi's sensational allegations in a speech in Parliament, Puri told reporters that his conversations with Jeffrey Epstein had no connection to the allegations against him. The Union Minister said Rahul Gandhi has a habit of making baseless accusations.

What did Hardeep Singh Puri say?

He further stated that his main contact at the time was LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, and that he had invited the internet entrepreneur and venture capitalist to visit India. His name is mentioned three or four times in the three million emails. Puri replied, "I met Epstein on a few occasions as part of a delegation and exchanged only one email. Our conversations had nothing to do with the crimes he is accused of."

The Union Minister further stated that we had discussed 'Make in India.' He said that I had no interest in Epstein's activities. I was not the 'right person' for him. Epstein had called me a hypocrite. Rahul Gandhi should read the emails. Hardeep Puri further stated that the Leader of the Opposition should understand that the Epstein files pertain to misdeeds and criminal cases. These files contain serious allegations, including allegations of people being taken to a private island and sexually exploited. Victims have also filed complaints in this matter. None of my conversations had any connection to this. He clarified that the allegations being made against him regarding this matter are completely baseless.

What Hardeep Singh Puri say about Congress?

Attacking the Congress MP, Puri said that there are two types of leaders in the country: those who work day and night to take the country forward, and those whose conduct is marked by "buffoonery." During this, he clarified that he was choosing his words carefully. I did not call him a clown, but rather an element of clowniness. Hardeep Puri further said that Rahul Gandhi has a habit of making accusations without facts.

He said that some leaders dedicate their lives to public service while fulfilling their responsibilities within the political system. Due to their efforts, the country has grown from the tenth largest economy to the fourth largest and is soon poised to reach the third position.