Debendra Pradhan, Former Union Minister And Dharmendra Pradhan’s Father, Dies at 84
New Delhi: Former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan died at the age of 84 in Delhi on March 17, 2025 due to age-related ailments. A stalwart of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a key political figure in Odisha, Pradhan played a crucial role in strengthening the party both at the state and national levels. His demise has been met with condolences from top leaders, including President of India, and several Union Ministers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his last respects to the late leader, with his son and union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan present at the ceremony.
President of India expressed sorrow over Pradhan’s passing, highlighting his dedication to public service and contribution to Odisha’s development. “Saddened by the demise of Shri Debendra Pradhan, former Union Minister and senior political leader. Having known him for many years, I got the opportunity to witness his dedication to public service and his 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,” the President said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tribute, recalling Pradhan’s contributions during the Vajpayee government. “Deeply saddened by the passing away of former Union Minister, Dr. Debendra Pradhan ji. He played a key role in strengthening our Party in Odisha. I had the opportunity to work with him when I was the Minister for Highways and Surface Transport in Atalji’s Government. He was a wonderful human being who always focused on public welfare. He was passionate about strengthening India’s infrastructure sector,” Singh stated. He also visited Dharmendra Pradhan’s residence to offer his condolences.
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari remembered Pradhan as a foundational pillar of the BJP in Odisha and a leader who inspired generations. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Debendra Pradhan Ji, former Union MoS and father of Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan. A founding pillar of BJP in Odisha, he was a true statesman and a leader of the masses. His vision and leadership profoundly shaped the party. My heartfelt condolences to Dharmendra Ji and his family in this moment of grief. May God grant them strength and peace during this difficult time. Om Shanti,” Gadkari said.
Born on 16 July 1941 in undivided Dhenkanal District of Odisha, Debendra Pradhan studied medicine before turning to politics. He became actively involved with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later emerged as a prominent BJP leader. He served as BJP’s Odisha President multiple times and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Deogarh in 1998 and 1999. During the Vajpayee government, he held ministerial roles in Surface Transport and Agriculture, contributing significantly to infrastructure development and rural policies.
His political legacy continues through his son, Dharmendra Pradhan, who serves as Union Minister of Education, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship in the Modi government.
Debendra Pradhan’s passing marks the end of an era in Odisha’s political history. His contributions to the BJP and the nation remain a lasting legacy.
