On the first death anniversary of former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan this Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described him as the “Bhishma Pitamah” of the BJP in Odisha.
Speaking before a large gathering of leaders across multiple sectors, Singh highlighted that Pradhan was bestowed with this title not merely for his prowess as a political strategist but for his steadfast loyalty to the party’s fundamental principles.
Singh noted that Pradhan skillfully guided the party through the complexities of regional politics during his tenure. He emphasised that the Bharatiya Janata Party’s current expansion and progress in Odisha are built upon the robust foundation laid by Pradhan’s leadership.
“Today, the Bharatiya Janata Party is continuously expanding in Odisha and moving forward on the strong foundation laid by Pradhan,” he said.
Throughout his career, Pradhan served as the president of the state BJP three times, focusing his efforts on strengthening the party at the grassroots level. Singh highlighted that Pradhan possessed a unique passion for establishing direct relationships with party workers, which was central to his organisational success.
He (Pradhan) had also led the brick-collection campaign in Odisha about 30 years ago for the construction of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Singh said.
By leading that campaign, Pradhan successfully connected diverse sections of society to the movement. Singh pointed out that this effort significantly strengthened the sentiments of faith, public participation, and cultural unity among the people of the state.
Furthermore, Singh acknowledged Pradhan’s service in several vital roles within the Central government, where he played an active part in shaping national policies. His contributions were particularly notable in the implementation of various schemes within the energy, petroleum, and natural gas sectors.
“One of the most memorable moments in Pradhan ji’s political life was the day he took his oath as a union minister in the Odia language. It was not merely a formality but a powerful message. He ensured that the Odia language received its due respect,” Singh stated.
The contribution of late Pradhan in Odisha BJP and Indian politics is unforgettable. His ideology, spirit of service, and dedication to national unity will always continue to inspire future generations, Singh said, adding that his guidance, his leadership, and his policies will forever remain alive in the political landscape of Odisha and India.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in his speech at the event, said humility and friendliness as the most defining traits of Debendra Pradhan’s personality. Majhi observed that Pradhan’s total dedication to BJP policies and ideology was consistently reflected in both his behaviour and his public discourse.
Stating late Pradhan’s determination, hard work and commitment were the main factors in strengthening the organisation of the BJP in Odisha, the CM said, “He was a source of immense inspiration for all of us”.
Among others, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, state BJP president Manmohan Samal and senior leaders of Odisha were present at the event.
