New Delhi, February 11, 2026
A heated political controversy erupted in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi referenced the Jeffrey Epstein files during his speech on the Union Budget discussion.
The remarks led to uproar in the House, prompting strong rebuttals from Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. The government indicated it would move a privilege notice against Gandhi for alleged baseless accusations.
During his address, Rahul Gandhi mentioned the Epstein files and questioned why an industrialist named in them had not been arrested. He also targeted businessmen Adani and Ambani. The references triggered protests from the treasury benches, with the Speaker intervening. Gandhi subsequently agreed to drop the topic.
Responding to the allegations, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri rejected any wrongdoing, emphasizing that his limited interactions with Epstein occurred as part of official delegations and had no connection to the financier’s criminal activities.
Puri explained that he met Epstein on a few occasions while serving as India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2009 to 2017 and later through invitations to the International Peace Institute (IPI). He noted one instance in November 2014, as a private citizen, involved discussions with LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman about India’s Digital India and Make in India initiatives.
“All conversations were entirely related to India’s progress and opportunities,” Puri stated, adding that public documents mention his name only 3-4 times among millions of released emails.
He contrasted committed leaders who dedicate their lives to public service with those who occasionally visit the country and leave the House when lacking support, in an apparent reference to Gandhi exiting after his speech.
Puri also advised younger leaders to understand that the Epstein files pertain to serious criminal allegations, including sexual exploitation, and his interactions bore no relation to them.
Separately, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju addressed a press conference, accusing Gandhi of misleading the House with unsubstantiated claims without following parliamentary rules requiring prior notice and evidence for serious allegations against members.
Rijiju stated the government would bring a privilege notice against the Congress leader, emphasizing that Gandhi provided no constructive suggestions on the budget and instead made “baseless and wild accusations.”
He noted that Gandhi was urged to remain in the House for Finance Minister’s reply but chose not to.
The exchanges highlighted escalating tensions between the opposition and the ruling alliance during the ongoing budget session.
