Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi and his Assam, Maharashtra and Delhi counterparts, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Devendra Fadnavis, and Rekha Gupta, respectively, among other prominent leaders, paid rich tributes to former Union minister Debendra Pradhan during his 12th day rituals here on Friday.
Sarma said, “I paid my tributes to former Union minister and a tall leader, late Dr Debendra Pradhan Ji. With his recent passing, we lost a stalwart and scholar who was rooted in humility. He dedicated his life to strengthening our organisation in Odisha and won several admirers for his zeal to serve society.”
Fadnavis said, “I offered my heartfelt tributes to former Union minister late Dr Debendra Pradhan Ji, father of Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan Ji, at the condolence meeting held at Swadhinta Sangram Padia, Bhubaneswar. Deepest condolences to Dharmendra Ji, his family and friends.”
Gupta told media persons that Pradhan had done a lot for Odisha and would always be remembered as a guide. “I pray to God for the peace of the noble soul,” she said.
Among other prominent figures who paid tributes were former Union minister Anurag Thakur, yoga guru Baba Ramdev, and the deputy chief ministers of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
On Thursday, CM Majhi, Union defence minister Rajnath Singh, Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, offered their condolences to Dharmendra and his family at a memorial service at Talcher in Angul district.
Pradhan, who passed away at 84 on March 17, was a two-term MP from Deogarh. He served as Union minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led govt.