Bhubaneswar, Mar 17: Hundreds of BJP workers and common people paid rich tributes to former Union Minister Dr Debendra Pradhan, who passed away In New Delhi today. He was 84.

A guard of honor was accorded to Dr Pradhan after the arrival of his body at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar Monday evening.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, son of Dr Pradhan, and many MPs and senior leaders of BJP accompanied the mortal remains to Bhubaneswar. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and DGP YB Khurania were present at the Airport.

Leaders cutting across party lines, including Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and Suresh Routray, also paid their last respects to Dr Pradhaj. After the guard of honor was accorded, BJP leaders, workers, and people escorted Dr Pradhan's body to the BJP State head office at Kharavel Nagar.

Slogans like "Dr. Debendra Pradhan Amar Rahe" reverberated the procession route from the airport to the BJP State office. People in large numbers paid their last respects to Dr. Pradhan by placing wreaths on the body.

After that, the body was taken in a grand process to his house at Chandrasekharpur where family members and relatives will pay their last respects. Family sources said the mortal remains of the leader will be consigned to flames at the Swargadwar tomorrow.

Dr Pradhan served the nation as a Union Minister. He was a doctor and social worker as well. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President JP Nadda condoled the passing away of the former Union Minister.