Agartala | March 1, 2026
The Tripura Pradesh Mahila Congress organized a fierce protest demonstration today in front of the Congress Bhavan in Agartala, targeting the central government over international controversies. The protesters specifically demanded the immediate resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, following allegations surfacing from the recently released ‘Epstein Files’ in the United States.
The demonstration saw a large gathering of women activists who raised slogans against the Union Minister and the BJP-led central government, calling for accountability and a high-level probe.
The Core of the Controversy
The protest in Tripura is part of a broader nationwide outcry by the Congress party. The ‘Epstein Files’—a massive set of documents released by the US Department of Justice—reportedly contain references to several global figures, including Indian politicians and businessmen.
- Allegations: The Mahila Congress leaders alleged that the files mention interactions and email exchanges between Hardeep Singh Puri and the convicted late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
- Ethics in Question: Protesters argued that the presence of a sitting Union Minister’s name in documents linked to such a sensitive international criminal case is a matter of national concern and moral turpitude.
“No Place for Such Leadership” — Mahila Congress
Leading the protest, senior leaders of the Tripura Pradesh Mahila Congress addressed the media, stating that the dignity of the Union Cabinet has been compromised.
”The revelations in the Epstein Files are shocking. We want to know why a senior leader of the Indian government was in contact with a person like Jeffrey Epstein. Until a transparent investigation is completed, Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has no moral right to continue in his post. We demand his immediate resignation,” a spokesperson for the Mahila Congress stated.
Minister’s Defense & Government Stance
It is important to note that Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has categorically rejected these allegations, labeling them as a “smear campaign” and a “political conspiracy” by the opposition. The central government has also maintained that an internal review found no evidence of any criminal or objectionable involvement on the Minister’s part.
Protest Highlights
- Sloganeering: Protesters carried placards and banners with messages such as “Hardeep Puri Resign” and “Justice for the Victims.”
- Effigy Burning: During the demonstration, some activists attempted to burn an effigy representing the central leadership to mark their dissent.
- Security Measures: A significant number of Tripura Police and TSR personnel were deployed near the Congress Bhavan to prevent any untoward incidents, as the area remained tense for several hours.
The Tripura Pradesh Mahila Congress has warned that if the Union Minister does not step down, they will intensify their movement and take the protest to the district levels across the state.
Reported by: Tripura24.in News Desk
Location: Congress Bhavan, Post Office Chowmuhani, Agartala
