EpsteinFiles – Congress and BJP Clash Over Sibal Allegations
EpsteinFiles – The political temperature rose on Friday after senior Congress leader Pawan Khera dismissed allegations that former Union Minister Kapil Sibal was named in documents connected to convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of circulating misleading information.
Khera Rejects Allegations as Misleading
In a message posted on X, Khera said certain BJP leaders were attempting to suggest that Sibal figured in the so-called Epstein files. He specifically referred to statements made by party spokespersons, including Shehzad Poonawalla and Pradeep Bhandari.
According to Khera, the claim does not withstand scrutiny once the full document is examined. He asserted that selective excerpts were being used to create a controversy that, in his view, lacks substance.
Details of the Document in Question
Khera explained that the document being cited is a 59-page file sent on September 10, 2010, by Margaux Rogers to Epstein’s personal assistant, Lesley Groff, and later forwarded to Epstein the same day. Titled “Calendar of Major Events, Openings, and Fundraisers,” the compilation reportedly listed prominent public events taking place in New York at the time.
He said the document appears to have been a broad schedule of high-profile gatherings, including conferences, cultural programmes, and award ceremonies, rather than a log of private meetings or personal engagements involving Epstein.
Context of Kapil Sibal’s Mention
Khera clarified that Sibal’s name appears on page 55 of the document in relation to an event hosted by the Institute of International Education. At that time, Sibal was serving as India’s Human Resource Development Minister and received the Stephen P. Duggan Award for Mutual Understanding, which recognises efforts to promote international cooperation in education.
He maintained that the award ceremony was unrelated to Epstein and that there is no record of Sibal being a guest of Epstein or participating in meetings or correspondence with him. The Congress leader argued that presenting the mention without context creates a distorted impression.
BJP Leaders Raise Questions
The issue gained traction after BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari shared claims on X, alleging that Sibal had received an award that was reportedly funded by Epstein. Bhandari also referred to Sam Pitroda, who heads Congress’s overseas unit, suggesting connections within the same circles.
In his post, Bhandari cited a document listing awardees at the 2010 International Awards Gala in New York, where Sibal’s name appeared alongside other dignitaries. He questioned whether certain policy decisions taken during the Congress-led government at the time could have been influenced by external factors, asking Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to respond.
Shehzad Poonawalla echoed similar concerns on social media, questioning why Sibal accepted an award linked, in his claim, to Epstein-funded institutions and calling on Congress leadership to clarify its position.
Congress Counters With Allegations of Its Own
Khera, however, accused BJP spokespersons of sharing partial screenshots without acknowledging the broader context of the document. He said the narrative “collapses” once the entire file is reviewed.
In a counterattack, Khera demanded the resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, alleging that questions remain about his interactions with Epstein. Speaking to reporters, Khera claimed that the Congress party would continue to raise the issue publicly, asserting that the government must address concerns transparently.
Hardeep Singh Puri has not publicly responded to the fresh demand at the time of writing.
Political Implications
The exchange has added another layer to the ongoing political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP ahead of key electoral battles. While the BJP has pressed for clarification from Congress leaders, the opposition party has described the controversy as an attempt to deflect attention.
Kapil Sibal, who left the Congress in 2022 and now serves as an Independent member of the Rajya Sabha, has not issued a detailed public statement on the matter so far.
As the debate unfolds, both parties appear set to continue trading accusations, with the focus remaining on whether the references in the 2010 document signify any substantive connection or merely reflect participation in a public event.