Devender Singh Rana, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Nagrota, passed away on Thursday at a private hospital in Faridabad
Devender Singh Rana, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Nagrota, passed away on Thursday at a private hospital in Faridabad
Background of Devender Singh Rana
Devender Singh Rana, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Nagrota, passed away on Thursday at a private hospital in Faridabad, Haryana. He was 59 years old. Rana was undergoing treatment at the time of his death and is survived by his wife, Gunjan Rana, and their three children: daughters Devyani and Ketki, and son Adhiraj Singh.
Rana's death has left a significant void in the Jammu and Kashmir political landscape. Upon hearing the news, hundreds of mourners, including political leaders and local residents, gathered at his residence in the Gandhinagar area of Jammu to pay their respects. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, his brother, was among those who quickly arrived to console the grieving family.
As a businessman turned politician, Rana was known for his strong advocacy for the Dogra community in Jammu. He had successfully transitioned from building a multi-crore business empire to a political career, demonstrating significant influence in the region.
Recently re-elected to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Rana secured his seat from the Nagrota constituency for a second term. His political journey began with the National Conference, where he was a close aide to former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Over the years, he rose to become a key strategist for the party, expanding its base in Jammu as the Provincial President.
Rana's ability to connect with a diverse electorate was evident when he won his initial Assembly seat from Nagrota, defeating BJP candidate Jugal Kishore Sharma. This victory highlighted his appeal across different community groups, including Muslims, particularly the Gujjar community.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep shock and sorrow at Rana's sudden passing. “In his passing, we have lost a patriotic and widely respected leader who was committed to the well-being of the people of J&K. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti,” the LG's office posted on social media.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary echoed similar sentiments, noting that the timing of Rana's death on Diwali made it particularly heartbreaking. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and other political figures, including Congress's Ghulam Ahmed Mir, also shared their condolences, acknowledging Rana’s contributions to society and politics.
Throughout his political career, Rana was a vocal advocate for Jammu's interests, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370. He championed the Jammu Declaration, calling for statehood restoration for the Jammu region. His stance often put him at odds with the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, a coalition pushing for the restoration of Article 370 and statehood for the entire Jammu and Kashmir region.
Rana’s influence extended beyond politics into business, where he founded the Jamkash Vehicleades Group and established a successful cable TV channel. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the region earned him respect and recognition across various sectors.
Devender Singh Rana’s unexpected death marks a significant loss for the BJP and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. His dedication to public service and community welfare will be remembered, and his contributions to both politics and business will leave a lasting impact. As the region mourns his passing, leaders from all parties have come together to honor his legacy and express solidarity with his family during this difficult time.
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