Priyanka Gandhi calls for ‘moral accountability’ over names in ‘Epstein files’
Wayanad (Kerala) (PTI): Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday called for "moral accountability" from public office-bearers whose names appear in the 'Epstein files', alleging that such accountability was lacking in India.
Speaking to reporters in Wayanad, Vadra said that across the world, those in public office whose names appear in the 'Epstein files' have resigned.
Her remarks come at a time when Congress is demanding the resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, whose name figures in the 'Epstein files' released in the United States.
“But here, our government does not seem to think there is any moral accountability towards the public. There is a moral accountability,” she said.
She added that if a person’s name appears in such files, they bear moral responsibility.
“Not just your name, but if you are repeatedly emailing back and forth and are clearly aware of this person’s activities, if you have been engaging in conversations and meetings, and if you are a minister, you have a moral responsibility towards the people of your country,” she said.
She noted that in other parts of the world, ministers and even members of royal families had been arrested or investigated and had resigned.
“But here, there seems to be absolutely no consciousness that there is some responsibility owed to the people. If you are interacting with a convicted paedophile and criminal, then surely there should be some accountability,” she said.
The 'Epstein files' refer to documents held by the US government relating to Jeffrey Epstein, containing details of his interactions with wealthy, prominent and influential individuals.
Epstein was later convicted of sex crimes, particularly involving the sexual abuse of underage girls.
When asked about Kerala Health Minister Veena George suffering injuries during a KSU protest, Vadra said she was not in favour of any form of violence.
On houses to be provided by the state government to over 170 families affected by the landslide, she said she was glad people were receiving homes, but stressed that the process should be expedited, including the construction of houses by the Congress for victims.
She also took a dig at the Union government, alleging a lack of assistance from the Centre. “We have received practically no help from the Centre, which I feel is tragic,” she said.
She added that the landslide was declared a severe disaster only after prolonged efforts, despite demands to classify it as a national disaster.
The landslide claimed over 200 lives and destroyed hundreds of homes in July 2024.
“These are times for all of us to come together, above politics. I know it is election time, but when something of such scale happens, we must all unite,” she said.
On the change of the state’s name from Kerala to Keralam, she said she was getting used to it like everyone else.
“I keep saying Kerala and then correcting it to Keralam. I will get used to it,” she said.
When asked about a Congress MP criticising the name change, she said she was not aware of the remarks made by other leaders in her party. “It is the prerogative of the government. A lot of names have been changed recently,” she said.
Responding to recent allegations of medical negligence against the state government, Vadra said Kerala needed stronger healthcare outreach.
“Such instances would not occur if there were sufficient doctors, staff and administrative support. Much more can certainly be done. People should receive better healthcare,” she said.
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'Sarke Chunar' row: Sanjay Dutt apologises; to sponsor education of 50 tribal girls
New Delhi (PTI): Actor Sanjay Dutt on Monday appeared before the National Commission for Women (NCW) in connection with the controversy over the song 'Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke' and submitted a written apology, expressing regret for any "unintended" harm caused to society.
During the hearing, held under NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, the commission raised concerns over alleged vulgarity and indecent representation of women in the song from the movie "KD The Devil" and questioned issues of intent, awareness and accountability.
The chairperson emphasised whether adequate due diligence was undertaken before participating in content that could be perceived as promoting objectification of women, while also underlining the responsibility of senior and influential public figures in ensuring that their work remains within the bounds of legal and societal standards.
As a corrective measure, Dutt committed to sponsoring the education of 50 tribal girl children as part of efforts towards social welfare and women's empowerment, the NCW said in a statement.
He also assured the commission that his future artist agreements would include mandatory legal due diligence provisions to ensure dignified and appropriate representation of women and children in films and related creative projects.
Actor Nora Fatehi, who was also summoned, could not appear as she is currently abroad and has sought a fresh date for the hearing.
On April 6, other individuals associated with the song, including director Kiran Kumar alias Prem, lyricist Raqueeb Alam and representatives of KVN Production Company Gautam K M and Suprith, appeared before the commission and submitted their apologies.
The NCW underscored that while artistic freedom is important, it must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity, reiterating the need for accountability in content reaching wide public audiences and reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the dignity and representation of women.
The Hindi version of the song, released on March 15 on YouTube, drew public ire for its sexually explicit lyrics.
After the outrage, the makers deleted the Hindi version of the song from YouTube, although it was widely played and shared across various platforms.
Fatehi, in a video later, distanced herself from the song, saying she shot the video for the Kannada version and her permission was not taken to use it in the Hindi version. The lyricist, singer and the director also apologised.
The issue was brought up in Lok Sabha during Question Hour by Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Anand Bhadoria last month.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the song was already banned and the government was ready to take action against such vulgarity.
"KD The Devil" is a Kannada film, dubbed in four languages, including Hindi. It will release on April 30. The film features Dhruva Sarja, V Ravichandran, Ramesh Aravind, Shilpa Shetty, and Dutt.
