President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the demise of former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan and remembered his contribution to the development of Odisha and the country. He is survived by two sons including Dharmendra Pradhan, union education minister. “My heartfelt condolences to his son and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, other family members and admirers,” President Murmu said in a social media post.

BJP leader Debendra Pradhan, who was a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, passed away on Monday, officials said. He was 84.

“Saddened by the demise of Debendra Pradhan, former Union Minister and senior political leader. Having known him for many years, I got the opportunity to witness his dedication for public service and his contribution to the development of Odisha and the nation during his long period in the service of the people. My heartfelt condolences to his son and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, other family members and admirers,” Droupadi Murmu said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Pradhan’s mortal remains, and hailed his efforts in strengthening the BJP in Odisha.

“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,” Modi said in a social media post.

Several union ministers also visited the Teen Murti Lane residence to pay their respects. Pradhan’s mortal remains will be brought to Bhubaneswar from New Delhi in the evening, family sources said.

Pradhan, a doctor by profession, started his journey in politics in Talcher and rose from the grassroots level. He first became the BJP’s state president in 1988 and continued in the post for consecutive two terms till 1993. He returned to the post in 1995 and remained there till 1997. He won the 1998 Lok Sabha elections from the Deogarh seat and was re-elected again

in 1999.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said he was a popular public leader and an able parliamentarian.

“He had discharged his duties as the Union Minister for Transport and Agriculture from 1999 to 2001 with efficiency. As a public representative and MP, he had become the object of the common people’s affection by doing many welfare works,” Majhi said.

Governor Haribabu Kambhampati said Pradhan was devoted to the progress of the state. “He dedicated his life to the welfare of the people with unwavering commitment and determination. His contributions will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his son, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and the bereaved family,” Kambhampati said.

Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Naveen Patnaik said he will be remembered for his unparalleled organisational skills and unwavering personality. “The state has lost an influential political figure and popular politician in the demise of Pradhan,” he said.