New Delhi, March 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid last respects to former Union Minister Dr Debendra Pradhan who passed away this morning.

Dr Debendra Pradhan, father of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, passed away in New Delhi this morning at the age of 84.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the residence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in New Delhi and paid his last respects to Dr Pradhan and expressed condolences to the bereaved family members.

In a social media post, PM Modi said: “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.”

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.… pic.twitter.com/5z1kvX8vls
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2025

Dr Pradhan, a life member of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), joined BJP in 1980 as a Mandal president and was elected twice successively to the Lok Sabha from Deogarh parliamentary constituency in Odisha in 1998 and 1999.

On his debut to the Lok Sabha, Dr Pradhan became Union Minister of State for Surface Transport in the Atal Behari Vajpayee government in 1998.

Dr Pradhan again served as Union Minister of State for Surface Transport and Agriculture from 1999 to 2001 in the Atal Behari Vajpayee government. Later, he was appointed as the national vice president of BJP in 2001.

Dr Pradhan was popularly known for his medical profession, farming and social works. He was a three-time BJP Odisha unit president from 1988 to 1990, 1990 to 1993 and 1995 to 1997.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and many other political leaders expressed deep grief over Dr Pradhan's demise.

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