Jubilee Post News & Views
Vivek AvasthiThey say, empty vessels make the most sound….
What began as an attempt by the Opposition to corner the government over the so-called “Epstein Files” has instead exposed what ruling party leaders describe as a familiar pattern — sensational allegations without substance. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday mounted a forceful defence, dismantling accusations levelled by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and calling them misleading and politically motivated.
Puri categorically rejected any wrongdoing, clarifying that he neither sought nor pursued meetings with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. According to the minister, the limited interaction cited by the Opposition occurred through institutional channels and long before Epstein’s criminal activities became public knowledge.
“I did not seek the meeting. It was arranged through official platforms. Selective reading of emails cannot replace facts,” Puri said, accusing critics of twisting context to manufacture controversy.
Selective Politics, Missing Evidence
The controversy emerged after the release of extensive records by the U.S. Department of Justice related to Epstein’s investigations. However, government sources pointed out that Puri’s name appears only a few times among millions of documents — a fact they say demolishes attempts to create insinuations.
The minister also highlighted that during the period referenced he had no links with the Bharatiya Janata Party and was working internationally to promote India’s economic and technological potential.
He firmly denied ever visiting Epstein’s island or travelling on any aircraft associated with him, noting that revelations about Epstein surfaced years later. Puri added that he discontinued engagement once questions arose around individuals connected through the International Peace Institute.
Congress Under Fire
Political analysts say the episode has turned into an embarrassment for the Indian National Congress, with critics accusing it of relying on dramatic accusations rather than credible evidence. Government leaders argue that repeated personal attacks reflect an Opposition struggling to frame a coherent policy narrative against a government focused on development and governance.
Ruling party voices have also questioned the timing of the controversy, suggesting it was aimed at disrupting Parliament rather than pursuing genuine accountability.
Parliament or Political Theatre?
Frequent disruptions over issues lacking substantive backing have drawn criticism from treasury benches, which accuse the Opposition of converting Parliament into a platform for political spectacle. Supporters of the government argue that such tactics ultimately weaken democratic institutions and delay legislative work crucial for economic reforms and national progress.
Minister Reaffirms Transparency
Reiterating his stand, Puri said his engagement at the time revolved around promoting India’s growth story, including discussions on investment and digital expansion. “My public life has been transparent. Facts are clear, and truth does not require amplification through noise,” he said.
As the dust settles, the episode appears to have strengthened the government’s counter-argument — that politics driven by insinuation rather than evidence risks backfiring, leaving the Opposition battling credibility questions of its own making.
But any piece of good advice to such leaders would be – like talking to a brick wall…
(Vivek Avasthi is the editor in chief of Indianpsu.com. He has been in print, digital and television media for over 32 years now. He has been associated with Hindustan Times, Aaj Tak, Zee News, Star News (Now ABP News), Network 18 etc. His last assignment was with Business Television India (BTVI) as Senior Editor. Vivek Avasthi is an accredited journalist from Press Information Bureau (PIB) of Government of India. This article is his own opinion)
