The Congress party has sparked a major controversy by highlighting documents purportedly from the US Department of Justice. Opposition spokesperson Pawan Khera suggests these records indicate that the Prime Minister followed Epstein’s guidance during an official visit to Israel. According to these claims, the actions were intended to please the American President, leading the opposition to question the Prime Minister's judgement and the ethics of India’s diplomatic relations.

Opposition seeks answers

Describing the situation as a moment of national embarrassment, the opposition is demanding a formal explanation regarding the nature of this alleged association. Key questions have been raised about what specific advice was exchanged and the meaning behind a note in the files suggesting that the effort had been successful. Khera argued that any link between the country’s leadership and a convicted sex offender poses a significant threat to India’s international reputation and national dignity.

Background to the allegations

These claims emerge from a wider release of documents related to Epstein, who died in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking. While many high-profile names appear in these records, their inclusion does not automatically prove any legal or moral wrongdoing. Currently, the claims regarding the Prime Minister lack independent verification, and there has been no official response from the Prime Minister’s Office or the ruling BJP.