Veteran BJP leader Debendra Pradhan, who was a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, died on Monday, March 17. He was 84, and survived by his son, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Pradhan, the former Odisha BJP president, breathed his last in New Delhi.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said he was a popular public leader and an able parliamentarian. "He had discharged his duties as the Union Minister for Transport and Agriculture from 1999 to 2001 with efficiency. As a public representative and MP, he had become the object of the common people's affection by doing many welfare works," Majhi said.
"He dedicated his entire life for the development of the state with a spirit of service and determination," he added.
Majhi said the country and the state lost a distinguished public servant. The CM also spoke to his son and expressed his condolences. Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Naveen Patnaik said Mr Pradhan will be remembered for his unparalleled organisational skills and unwavering personality. "The state has lost an influential political figure and popular politician in the demise of Dr Pradhan," he said.
Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs, condoled the demise of former Union Minister, said, Heartfelt condolences to Hon'ble Union Minister Shri @dpradhanbjp ji on the passing of his beloved father, Shri Debendra Pradhan ji, former."
"Union Minister & senior leader May his soul find eternal peace & may the family find strength in the love & support around them. Om Shanti," Rijiju said.