The Great Debendra Pradhan also : Ommtv

The Great Debendra Pradhan also : Ommtv

Veteran BJP leader Debendra Pradhan, who was a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, died on Monday, officials said. He was 84, and survived by his son Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union education minister. Pradhan, the former Odisha BJP president, breathed his last in New Delhi. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said he was a popular public leader and an able parliamentarian."He had discharged his duties as the Union Minister for Transport and Agriculture from 1999 to 2001 with efficiency. As a public representative and MP, he had become the object of the common people's affection by doing many welfare works," Majhi said."He dedicated his entire life for the development of the state with a spirit of service and determination," he added. Majhi said the country and the state lost a distinguished public servant. The CM also spoke to his son and expressed his condolences. Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Naveen Patnaik said Pradhan will be remembered for his unparalleled organisational skills and unwavering personality. "The state has lost an influential political figure and popular politician in the demise of Dr Pradhan," he said. A stalwart in Odisha politics and a three-time BJP state unit president (1988-1990, 1990-1993 & 1995-1997), Debendra was instrumental in establishing the BJP's foundation in Odisha during its formative years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, BJP president and Union minister JP Nadda were among those who paid their last respects to Debendra."Dr Debendra Pradhan Ji made a mark as a hardworking and humble leader. He made numerous efforts to strengthen the BJP in Odisha. His contribution as MP and Minister is also noteworthy for the emphasis on poverty alleviation and social empowerment. Pained by his passing away. Went to pay my last respects and expressed condolences to his family. Om Shanti," the PM posted in a condolence message on X. Starting his political journey as BJP's Talcher mandal president (1980-1983), the medical practitioner-turned-politician went on to represent the erstwhile Deogarh Lok Sabha constituency twice (1998 and 1999). He served as Union minister of state for surface transport (1998-1999) and later held dual portfolios of surface transport and agriculture (1999-2001) in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee govt. Family and BJP sources said the last rites of the departed leader will be performed at Puri Swargadwar on Tuesday. Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in his condolence message, praised Debendra as "a popular leader and skilled parliamentarian" who contributed significantly to the state's development. "The country and state have lost a distinguished public servant," said the CM. He also spoke with Dharmendra to express his sympathies.The loss of the influential political figure was widely mourned by people from various walks of life. Leader of opposition Naveen Patnaik remembered Debendra for his "unparalleled organizational skills and amiable personality", noting his administrative prowess during his ministerial tenure. State BJP president Manmohan Samal and leaders across partylines expressed their grief over the veteran leader's demise.