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Former Union Minister from Odisha Debendra Pradhan breathed his last at the age of 83 on Monday. A veteran leader and a stalwart of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Pradhan served as a Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government from 1998 to 2004. He is the father of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Debendra Pradhan was undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, where he was admitted due to chest pain.
Born into a humble background, Pradhan carved a niche for himself in politics, earning a reputation as a dynamic and influential leader. Before stepping into politics, he was a doctor by profession, a fact that shaped his deep understanding of public welfare and governance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his last respects to former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan who passed away today.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi tweeted, “Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan. He was a popular public leader and an able parliamentarian. As the State BJP President, he made a significant contribution to the development of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Odisha with strong leadership. He dedicated his entire life for the development of the state with a spirit of service and determination. His contribution to the welfare of the people and the development of the state will always be remembered.”
BJP National Vice-President and Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda also expressed grief over the demise of the former Union Minister.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter handle), Panda wrote, “I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news of the passing away of Dr. Debendra Pradhan, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, former Union Minister, former State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party Odisha, Union Minister and the revered father of my friend Dharmendra Pradhan. I had a personal and political acquaintance with Debendra Babu. I extend my condolences to the bereaved family and extend my deepest sympathies.”
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His political career saw him elected twice as a Member of Parliament from Deogarh, Odisha, under the BJP banner. Additionally, he served as the National Vice President of BJP and held the position of Odisha BJP President three times, playing a crucial role in strengthening the party's presence in the state.
Pradhan’s demise marks the end of an era for Odisha and national politics. His contributions to governance and public service will always be remembered. His loss is deeply felt by his family, supporters, and the political fraternity.
More About Debendra Pradhan’s Illustrious Journey:
Born on July 16, 1941
1988-1990 – Served as the President of Odisha BJP for the first time.
1990-1993 – Re-elected as Odisha BJP President for the second term.
1995-1997 – Held the position of Odisha BJP President for the third time.
1998 – Elected as Member of Parliament from the Deogarh Lok Sabha constituency.
1998-1999 – Appointed as Minister of State for Surface Transport in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government.
1999 –2004 - Re-elected as Member of Parliament from Deogarh for the second time.
1999-2001 – Served as Minister of State for Surface Transport and Minister of State for Agriculture in the Union government.
