Bhubaneswar: Leaders cutting across party lines expressed profound grief over the demise of veteran Odisha leader and former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan, who passed away in New Delhi on Monday.
While President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pradhan, father of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his last respects to the departed leader. Modi visited Dharmendra Pradhan’s residence and paid homage to the late leader.
President Droupadi Murmu said Pradhan would be remembered for his dedication to public service and contribution to the development of Odisha and the nation.
“Saddened by the demise of Shri Debendra Pradhan, former Union Minister and senior political leader. Having known him for many years, I got the opportunity to witness his dedication for public service, and his contribution to the development of Odisha and the nation, during his long period in the service of the people. My heartfelt condolences to his son and Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, other family members and admirers,” the President said in a post on X handle.
In a condolence message, Odisha Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi described the late leader as a popular public figure and an able parliamentarian.
“Debendra Pradhan served as the Minister of State for Surface Transport and Agriculture in the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee from 1999 to 2001. He was also a distinguished member of Parliament, representing the Deogarh constituency twice. As a people’s representative and MP, he undertook numerous welfare-oriented initiatives, earning the respect and admiration of the common people. His significant contributions to the state’s development will be remembered,” he said.
As the president of the Odisha BJP, Pradhan played a crucial role in the party’s growth in the state. His selfless dedication to public service and commitment to the state’s progress will be deeply missed.
The Chief Minister conveyed his condolences to Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and his family, praying for strength to bear the irreparable loss. He also spoke to Dharmendra Pradhan over the phone, expressing his sympathies.
BJD president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik also expressed his grief and condoled the death of Debendra Pradhan.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo wrote on X: “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former Union Minister Shri Debendra Pradhan – a towering leader, a dedicated parliamentarian, and a guiding force behind the BJP’s growth in Odisha. His unwavering commitment to public service, leadership, and vision for the state have left an indelible mark. Odisha has lost a true statesman whose contributions will continue to inspire generations.
In this moment of profound loss, my deepest condolences to his son, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the entire family. Praying for his noble soul to rest in peace.”
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida has expressed his heartfelt condolences over the passing of former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan, who served as Minister of State for Surface Transport and Agriculture from 1998 to 2004.
She wrote: “I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news of the demise of Dr Devendra Pradhan, father of the Honourable Union Education Minister and former Minister of State for Road Transport and Minister of State for Agriculture.
“When people were afraid to join the Bharatiya Janata Party, Dr Debendra Pradhan got involved in strengthening the Odisha BJP. Leaving behind his medical profession, he joined the BJP as a grassroots worker from the time of its inception in 1980. He started his political career in Talcher and first took up the responsibility of the Mandal President. Later, he was appointed to various positions, and his contribution in strengthening the BJP in Odisha is unparalleled. In 1998, he was elected as an MP from the Deogarh constituency and served as the Minister of State for Roads and Transport in the cabinet of Vajpayeeji. Later, he was re-elected and also served as the Minister of State for Agriculture.
“Dr Debendra Pradhan’s dedicated life for the Odisha BJP is a source of inspiration for us. The BJP’s foundation in Odisha, by bowing down to the national interest in adverse circumstances, has resulted in the formation of the BJP government in Odisha today”, she wrote.
