‘Who’s the US Blackmailing?’ Rahul Gandhi Questions Timing of Epstein–Puri Photo Release

New Delhi, October 22: The release of a photograph featuring Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein by the US Department of Justice has triggered fresh political controversy, with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi questioning the timing of its disclosure.

According to  opposition leaders have raised questions about the photograph’s release, which coincided with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Mumbai. Gandhi reportedly asked, “Who’s U.S. blackmailing?”, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding the disclosure.

Opposition Questions Puri’s Account of Epstein Meetings

The photograph has prompted opposition leaders to seek further clarification regarding Puri’s interactions with Epstein and the context of their meetings.

The controversy centres on the timing of the image’s release and questions raised by opposition leaders about Puri’s account of his interactions with Epstein. However, the photograph alone does not establish wrongdoing, and the circumstances surrounding the meetings require consideration of the available evidence.

Rubio’s India Visit Adds to Political Debate

The disclosure coincided with Rubio’s visit to Mumbai, bringing the issue into the political spotlight during high-level US–India engagement.

The timing has become a subject of political debate, with opposition leaders questioning whether the release carries broader implications. No evidence establishing a connection between Rubio’s visit and the photograph’s release was provided in the available report.

The episode has renewed attention on the public records relating to Epstein and the importance of distinguishing documented associations from allegations of misconduct.