Hardeep Singh Puri, a Union Minister in India, held a press conference in response to allegations made by opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who claimed that Puri's name appears in files related to Jeffrey Epstein's criminal activities. Puri acknowledged meeting Epstein three or four times but categorically stated that these meetings were entirely professional and had no links to Epstein's alleged crimes.

In a bid to counter Gandhi's accusations, which referenced information from the U.S. Justice Department, Puri reminded the public of a past controversy involving Gandhi’s campaign in which he falsely claimed that a Brazilian model had voted multiple times in Haryana. Puri argued that this incident showcased Gandhi’s track record of making baseless accusations, and emphasized that he had served as India’s ambassador to the United Nations for eight years, suggesting his professional integrity.

Puri's defense is significant in the context of India's political landscape, where allegations and counter-allegations often characterize political discourse. The issue raises questions around the credibility of claims made in political battles and highlights the need for substantiation when serious allegations are made. As the political tussle continues, the public will likely scrutinize whether Puri's explanations sufficiently address the concerns raised by Gandhi, or if they merely complicate the narrative further.