Rahul Gandhi’s remarks spark sharp rebuttal from Hardeep Singh Puri during Budget Session
February 11, 2026: A fresh controversy erupted in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi referred to the Epstein Files, triggering a heated political exchange. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri cautioned that the Epstein Files relate to serious criminal allegations, including charges of sexual abuse and trafficking. “The Epstein Files contain allegations of grave crimes. My conversation had nothing to do with that,” Puri said, distancing himself from any association with the matter.
Speaking in the House, Rahul Gandhi questioned why businessman Anil Ambani had not been jailed, alleging that his name figures in the Epstein Files. He further asked who had introduced Ambani to Jeffrey Epstein, claiming that Puri was aware of the details. Outside Parliament, the Congress MP reiterated his charge, stating that the US Justice Department possessed documents containing the names of Hardeep Singh Puri and Anil Ambani.
Rejecting the claims as “baseless,” Puri accused Rahul Gandhi of making unfounded allegations. He clarified that in November 2014, as a private citizen, he had met LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman in the United States and merely highlighted India’s economic opportunities in an email exchange. The remarks intensified the already charged atmosphere in Parliament, with both the Opposition and the Treasury benches engaging in sharp exchanges over the issue.