Education Minister Critiques Rahul Gandhi's Remarks on Odisha Culture

On Saturday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his recent remarks regarding Odisha, accusing him of disrespecting the state's culture and traditions during his visit. Pradhan suggested that instead of making new allegations, Gandhi should apologize to the people of Odisha for the past disrespect shown by his party. He also accused the Congress MP of disrespecting the traditional 'Khanda Pata', a ceremonial cloth offered to Lord Jagannath.

 

Speaking to reporters, Pradhan remarked that Rahul Gandhi lacks genuine knowledge and merely repeats what his team prepares for him. He expressed that it would have been commendable if Gandhi had apologized to the people of Odisha, given the humiliation they have faced from his party. He emphasized that after such a long absence, Gandhi should have sought forgiveness from the Odia people. Instead, he displayed another instance of arrogance. Anyone visiting Odisha is expected to offer 'Khanda Pata' as a blessing from Mahaprabhu Jagannath. By setting the 'Khanda Pata' aside, Gandhi demonstrated a lack of understanding and respect for our culture and traditions, which he deemed mere theatrics.

 

On Friday, Rahul Gandhi accused the Odisha government of embezzling funds meant for the poor and claimed that industrialist Gautam Adani was effectively running the state. He also alleged that the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath was halted for Adani and his family. Meanwhile, Dharmendra Pradhan attended the centenary celebration of renowned writer Vidyutprabha Devi at RD University in Bhubaneswar, where Odisha's Higher Education Minister Surya Banshi Suraj and senior BJP leaders were also present.