Bhubaneswar, July 12: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of disrespecting Odisha’s rich culture and traditions during his recent visit to the state.
Addressing reporters in Bhubaneswar, Pradhan expressed strong disapproval of Gandhi's actions and comments, particularly his alleged disregard for the sacred khandua pata, a traditional handwoven cloth offered as a mark of reverence to Lord Jagannath.
“Rahul Gandhi is not well-versed in our culture. He simply reads out what his team prepares for him,” Pradhan said. “He visited Odisha after a long gap. Instead of showing respect or seeking an apology for the historical insults Odisha endured under Congress rule, he displayed yet another example of arrogance. Every guest who visits Odisha is offered a khandua pata as a blessing from Mahaprabhu Jagannath. When Rahul Gandhi set it aside, it reflected his ignorance and disrespect toward our traditions.”
The BJP leader further criticised Gandhi for not acknowledging the past grievances of the Odia people, allegedly caused by Congress policies. “He should have apologised to the people of Odisha. That would have shown humility,” Pradhan added.
Gandhi, during his address on Friday, had accused the Odisha government of looting the poor and claimed that industrialist Gautam Adani had undue influence over the state’s administration. He also controversially alleged that the Rath Yatra chariots of Lord Jagannath were halted to accommodate Adani and his family.
Pradhan dismissed these allegations as “political theatrics” and said they were an attempt to divert attention from the Congress party’s own shortcomings in the state.
Meanwhile, Pradhan attended the birth centenary celebration of celebrated Odia writer Bidyutprabha Devi at RD University in Bhubaneswar. The event was also attended by Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj and senior BJP leaders.
