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Former Union Minister and veteran BJP leader Dr Debendra Pradhan passed away on 17 March 2025 in New Delhi. Dr Pradhan was 84. Born on July 16, 1941, Dr Pradhan got his MBBS degree from SCB Medical College, Cuttack in 1966. He started his career as a medical officer however, quit the government service to pursue social services and agriculture. One of the major pillars in building BJP organisation in Odisha, Dr Pradhan, joined the BJP in 1983.
Dr Pradhan entered electoral politics in 1984. He was elected as BJP’s State President for two consecutive terms from 1988 to 1993. His third term as State President was from 1995 to 1997.
Dr Pradhan was elected from Deogarh parliamentary constituency in 1998 as MP. The same year, he became the Surface Transport Minister in the cabinet of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He again won the 1999 election from Deogarh and became Union Minister of Surface Transport and Agriculture in the Vajpayee government. Dr Pradhan was national Vice-President of BJP from 2001-02.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and BJP National President Shri JP Nadda paid their last respects to the mortal remains of Dr Pradhan at the residence of his son and Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in New Delhi. Union Home & Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah, many Union Ministers, BJP Chief Ministers, party leaders, Leader of Opposition and former Odisha Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik, and thousands of Karyakartas also paid homage to the mortal remains of Dr Pradhan in New Delhi and Bhubaneswar. The final rites were performed at Swargadwar, Puri, Odisha on 18 March 2025 with full State honours.
A hardworking and humble leader: PM Modi
Condoling the demise, in a social media post on X, Shri Modi said, “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”.
His contribution to public service is unforgettable: JP Nadda
Paying his last respects, BJP National President and Union Minister Shri JP Nadda said, “Paid tribute to the mortal remains of the revered father of Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and former Union Minister Dr. Devendra Pradhan ji in New Delhi. Along with strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party in Odisha, his contribution in the field of public service is unforgettable.
I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family. May God give a place to the departed soul in his lotus feet and provide strength to the bereaved family. Om Shanti”