BHUBANESWAR: Debendra Pradhan, former Union Minister and father of union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, passed away at the age of 83 in New Delhi following age-related ailments on Monday.
A stalwart of Odisha politics and a three-time BJP state unit president (1988-1990, 1990-1993, 1995-1997), Dr Pradhan was instrumental in establishing the BJP’s foundation in Odisha during its formative years.
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.
Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in his condolence message, praised Dr Pradhan 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,” Majhi said, who also spoke with Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to express his sympathies.
Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik remembered Dr Pradhan for his “unparalleled organisational skills and amiable personality,” noting his administrative prowess during his ministerial tenure.
State BJP president Manmohan Samal and leaders across party lines have expressed their grief over the veteran leader’s demise. Dr Pradhan is survived by two sons and wife Basanta Manjari Pradhan.
The loss of the influential political figure has been widely mourned by people from various walks of life across Odisha, recognising his lifelong dedication to public service and state development.