A massive political storm has erupted on social media involving Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. The controversy centers around leaked documents known as the “Epstein Files” and has escalated into a war of words, with Moitra alleging she received a threatening phone call asking her to delete her posts.
Here is a simple breakdown of what happened, why it is trending, and what it means for Indian politics.
What is the New Controversy?
On February 3, 2026, Mahua Moitra shared screenshots on X (formerly Twitter) that she claimed were emails between Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Jeffrey Epstein. Jeffrey Epstein was a disgraced American financier convicted of sex offenses, whose “files” (lists of associates and emails) have been a major global news topic.
Moitra posted an image purportedly showing a December 2014 email where Puri acknowledged speaking to Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn co-founder) and Epstein. These documents were reportedly part of a new batch of files made public by the US Justice Department on January 30, 2026.
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The Alleged Phone Call and “Thug Armies” Remark
The situation turned serious when Moitra claimed that shortly after her post, she received a personal call from Mr. Puri. According to the TMC MP, the Minister asked her to “delete the tweet.”
Moitra further alleged that the Minister told her, “If people come after me now, he won’t be able to help it.”
Refusing to back down, Moitra publicly replied on X, stating:
“I’ll take my chances, Sir. Your thug armies don’t scare me.”
This defiant statement has gone viral, with opposition leaders sharing it widely. As of now, Hardeep Singh Puri has not issued an official public rebuttal to these specific claims about the phone call.
Why Does This Matter?
This incident is significant for three main reasons:
- High-Profile Targets: It involves a sitting Union Minister and one of the opposition’s most vocal critics. The link to the Epstein case, even if just via email exchanges, is highly sensitive.
- Digital Censorship Allegations: Moitra’s claim that a minister personally called her to remove a social media post raises questions about freedom of speech and political pressure.
- Timing: This comes right in the middle of the Parliament Budget Session. The opposition is already united against the government on various issues, and this gives them fresh ammunition.
Background: The Bigger Picture
Mahua Moitra is known for her fiery speeches and aggressive stance against the ruling BJP government. She recently returned to Parliament with a huge victory in the 2024 elections after being expelled in 2023 over the “cash-for-query” case.
This latest row is also fueling the political heat ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections in 2026. Moitra has frequently accused the BJP of using central agencies and “IT cell” tactics to silence opposition voices in Bengal.
What Happens Next?
Currently, the BJP has criticized Moitra for making “distasteful” remarks, but the party has not yet released a detailed official statement on the Epstein email claims.
Political analysts expect this issue to rock the ongoing Parliament session. Opposition parties may demand a clarification from the Minister regarding his alleged connection to the emails. Meanwhile, social media remains divided, with hashtags supporting both leaders trending on X.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the Epstein Files?
The Epstein Files are a collection of documents, court records, and emails linked to Jeffrey Epstein, an American financier convicted of sex crimes. The files reveal names of people who interacted with him, though being named does not always mean they committed a crime.
2. Did Hardeep Singh Puri admit to the emails?
No. As of now, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has not publicly confirmed or denied the authenticity of the emails shared by Mahua Moitra.
3. Why did Mahua Moitra say “Thug Armies”?
She used this phrase in response to an alleged warning from the Minister. She claimed he told her he couldn’t help if “people came after her,” implying she would face attacks from his supporters or political machinery.
4. Is Mahua Moitra still an MP?
Yes. After being expelled in 2023, she was re-elected in the 2024 General Elections from the Krishnanagar constituency in West Bengal.