Bhubaneswar: Saffron Veteran Debendra Pradhan has passed away after brief illness
Dr.Pradhan was 84, survived by his son Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and his wife.
He passed away at his son’s official residence at New Delhi.
Born on 16 Jul 1941 in Talcher, was a MBBS Degree holder and started his career as Medical Officer in Talcher in 1966.
He resigned from services in 1973 and pursued Social activities and Agriculture.
Joined BJP in 1980, Dr.Pradhan served as Talcher Block President of BJP and later became President of BJP Dhenkanal District
He was thrice elected as President of BJP Odisha State and played a positive role in strengthening the Saffron Party.
Dr.Pradhan was elected to 12th Lok Sabha from Deogarh in 1998-99 and became Union Minister of State, Surface Transport.
Again in 1999 Re-elected to 13th Lok Sabha (2nd term)13 Oct. 1999— 27 May 2000 Union Minister of State, Surface Transport and from 27 May 2000 onwards Union Minister of State, Agriculture.
Dr.Pradhan was an amiable personality and very caring human being. Everyone loved him as he was an honest and hardworking political personality.