Bhubaneswar/New Delhi, Mar 17 (PTI) Veteran BJP leader Debendra Pradhan, the father of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, died on Monday morning due to age-related ailments.
Pradhan, 84, served as a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government and was a three-time president of the BJP in Odisha. He was also the national vice-president of the BJP in 2001-2002.
He breathed his last at his son's official residence on Teen Murti Lane in New Delhi. Pradhan is survived by wife Basanta Manjari Pradhan and two sons including Dharmendra.
President Droupadi Murmu, in a condolence message, said that she knew Pradhan for years and got the opportunity to witness his dedication to public service and contribution to the development of Odisha and the nation.
"My heartfelt condolences to his son and Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, other family members and admirers," she said in a post on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Pradhan's mortal remains, and hailed his efforts in strengthening the BJP in Odisha.
"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," Modi posted on X.
Several Union ministers, including BJP president J P Nadda, also visited the Teen Murti Lane residence to pay their respects.
"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 provide strength to the bereaved family," Nadda said in a post on X.
Pradhan, a doctor by profession, started his journey in politics in Talcher and rose from the grassroots level. He first became the BJP's state president in 1988 and continued in the post for two consecutive terms till 1993. He returned to the post in 1995 and remained in it till 1997.
He won the 1998 Lok Sabha elections from the Deogarh seat and was re-elected in 1999.
Odisha 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 several welfare works," Majhi said.
Governor Haribabu Kambhampati said Pradhan was devoted to the progress of the state.
"He dedicated his life to the welfare of the people with unwavering commitment and determination. His contributions will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his son, Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, and the bereaved family," Kambhampati said.
Former Andhra Pradesh governor Biswabhusan Harichandan also condoled Pradhan's death.
Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, Naveen Patnaik, who visited Dharmendra Pradhan's residence after the mortal remains reached Bhubaneswar, said he 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. Both of us were colleagues in the ministry of Vajpayee ji," he said.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das also paid floral tributes to the mortal remains.
Pradhan's mortal remains were brought to Bhubaneswar from New Delhi in the evening and a guard of honour was given by the police at the airport.
Chief Minister Majhi, BJP state president Manmohan Samal, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, DGP Y B Khurania and others were present at the airport.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said that when people were afraid to join the BJP, Pradhan worked to strengthen the party in the state.
"He joined the BJP after quitting his medical profession. He joined the party as a grassroots worker from the time of its inception in 1980," she said.
After Pradhan's mortal remains reached the BJP state headquarters here in a procession from the airport, many leaders paid their floral tributes to the departed leader.
Family sources said that Pradhan's mortal remains will be cremated at Swargadwar in Puri with full state honours on Tuesday.