Puri Denies Wrongdoing, Labels Gandhi's Claims as 'Buffoonery'
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has strongly refuted allegations made by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who mentioned Puri's name in connection with the Epstein Files. Puri dismissed the accusations as "baseless," "buffoonery," "innuendo," and a "smear campaign." Addressing the media in New Delhi, Puri emphasized that all facts related to the three million emails released from the Epstein Files are publicly available.
Puri's Response to Gandhi's Allegations
Puri targeted Gandhi, stating, "There are two kinds of leaders: Those who assume responsibility in the political system and dedicate their lives to samaj sewa, transforming the country... and then there are other leaders who, occasionally, come to the country." He recalled a previous incident where Gandhi made claims about a Brazilian model voting multiple times in Haryana, which later proved false, leading to embarrassment.
According to Puri, after two emails bearing his name emerged, Congress spokespersons inquired about his introduction to Jeffrey Epstein. He clarified that during his eight-year tenure as India's ambassador to the United Nations in New York from May 2009 until becoming a minister in 2017, he had only three or four meetings with Epstein as part of delegations from the International Peace Institute (IPI) or the Independent Commission on Multilateralism (ICM).
Details of Puri's Interactions with Epstein
Puri explained that he was not part of the IPI per se but served as Secretary General of the ICM, a commission set up to evaluate the United Nations on its 75th anniversary. His boss at IPI, Terje Rod-Larsen, knew Epstein, and Puri's interactions were limited to professional contexts. He highlighted an email exchange where he was described as "two-faced" for not showing interest in Epstein's activities, which he said involved criminal offenses and paedophilia.
Puri read from an email dated November 2014, when he was a private citizen, discussing India's growth as the fastest-growing country for internet users and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on rural internet coverage and the 'Make in India' campaign. He emphasized that his meeting with Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn, was to explore opportunities in India and had no connection to Epstein's wrongdoing.
Puri's Critique of Gandhi's Approach
Puri accused Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of not properly reading the email contents, leading to what he called "this buffoonery." He sarcastically thanked them, saying, "There are many people in the world who would not have known of me, but now they do, thanks to this kind of buffoonery." He asserted that the smear campaign allowed him to present the hard facts publicly.
Puri on India-US Trade Deal and Economic Growth
Shifting focus, Puri praised the India-US trade deal as "top class" given the current geopolitical scenario. He highlighted India's achievements under PM Modi, including moving from the 10th to the 4th largest economy and aiming for the 3rd position. Puri noted that the IMF raised India's growth forecast to 7.3%, and trade deals with 27 EU countries, pending for 16 years, have been finalized.
He explained that the trade deal reduced tariffs from 50% to 18% within an interim framework, emphasizing India's commitment to consumers. Puri stated, "During the last 10 years, in the midst of global turmoil, there has never been a shortage of energy. We have some of the lowest energy prices and diversified our supply."
Conclusion
Hardeep Singh Puri's rebuttal underscores a political clash over the Epstein Files, with him defending his integrity and lauding India's economic progress. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the BJP and Congress, with Puri using the platform to counter allegations and promote government achievements.
