New Delhi: Members of the Congress party staged a demonstration within the Parliament House complex on Friday, calling for the resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri after his name reportedly appeared in documents referred to as the “Epstein Files” released in the United States.
A group of Congress MPs assembled near the entrance of the Parliament building, raising slogans and demanding clarification from the senior minister. The protestors also displayed a large banner featuring photographs of Puri alongside convicted American financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The controversy stems from the recent disclosure of records linked to Epstein, whose criminal case and subsequent death in custody had triggered global scrutiny. While details of the references remain unclear, opposition leaders have sought an explanation from the government regarding the nature of Puri’s reported association.
Earlier this week, Puri rejected insinuations made by senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of attempting to malign his reputation through indirect allegations. The minister acknowledged having met Epstein on a handful of occasions in the past but maintained that the interactions were purely social and bore no connection to the criminal activities for which Epstein was convicted.
The Congress, however, insisted that the matter warranted greater transparency and accountability, arguing that any mention of a serving minister in such documents raises serious concerns.
There has been no official statement from the government beyond Puri’s remarks. The issue is expected to intensify political exchanges between the ruling party and the opposition as Parliament’s proceedings continue.
