Former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan passes away

Bhubaneswar: Former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan reportedly passed away in Delhi today at the age of 84 years. He was Union Minister of State, Surface Transport and Minister of State for Agriculture in between 1998 and 2004. He is the father of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

As per reports, Debendra Pradhan was unwell for the past few days. He was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Delhi.

As per reports, his mortal remains to reach Odisha today evening.

Political career

Debendra Pradhan was elected as MP for two times. He was elected from Deogarh Lok Sabha constituency in Odisha. In 1998 and 1999, he was elected to the Parliament from Deogarh Lok Sabha seat. In 1998, he became the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways.

In 1999, Pradhan served as the Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Agriculture in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

He started his political career as the Talcher BJP Mandal President.

He was the State BJP President for two consecutive terms from 1988 to 1990 and 1990 to 1993. In 1995, he served as the BJP State President for the third time. From 1997 to 1998, he was a member of the BJP Central Executive Committee.