Bhubaneswar, July 12 -- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his recent remarks on Odisha, accusing him of insulting the state's culture and traditions during his visit.

Pradhan said that instead of making fresh allegations, Gandhi should have apologised to the people of Odisha for the humiliation caused by the Congress party in the past. He also accused the Congress MP of disrespecting the sacred 'khandua pata', a traditional cloth offered in honour of Lord Jagannath.

Speaking to reporters, Pradhan said, "Rahul Gandhi is not so knowledgeable. He speaks what his team writes for him. I would have liked it if he had sought an apology from the people of Odisha after all the hum...