Bhubaneswar: Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Union Minister Dr. Debendra Pradhan passed away at the age of 84 on Monday at the official residence of his son, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in Delhi.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed profound sadness over Pradhan’s death, praising him as a “popular leader and accomplished parliamentarian” who dedicated his life to public service. Majhi also acknowledged Pradhan’s significant contributions as the Union Minister of State for Surface Transport and Agriculture (1999–2001) and his pivotal role in shaping Odisha’s political and developmental growth.
“Pradhan played a key role in the rise of the BJP in Odisha and provided strong leadership as the state party president. His passing is a loss to both the nation and Odisha,” said Majhi, who also extended condolences to Dharmendra Pradhan and his family.
Naveen Patnaik, the Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, also mourned the loss, describing Pradhan as a remarkable leader known for his organizational skills and humble demeanor. Patnaik praised Pradhan’s time in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s cabinet, where he held important ministerial roles, demonstrating administrative excellence.
“With the passing of Dr. Pradhan, Odisha has lost an influential political figure and a popular leader,” Patnaik remarked, offering his condolences to the grieving family.
Born on July 16, 1941, in Nalam village of Angul district in Odisha, Pradhan was a doctor by profession. He was a founding member of the BJP in Odisha and served as the party’s state president twice, from 1989 to 1993 and again from 1996 to 1997.
Pradhan represented the Deogarh constituency in the 13th Lok Sabha (1998–2004) and held the role of Minister of State for Surface Transport and Agriculture.
At the time of his death, Pradhan was surrounded by his family, including his son Dharmendra Pradhan, daughter-in-law Mridula Pradhan, and wife Basant Manjari Pradhan.
Various Odisha ministers and BJP leaders have expressed sorrow over his passing, remembering his lifelong commitment to public service and his contributions to the state’s political landscape.