Srinagar, Nov 1 (KNS): Hundreds turned up for the final rites of Devender Singh Rana, senior BJP leader and sitting MLA, at Shastri Nagar crematorium in Jammu on Friday.
The 59-year-old leader passed away late Thursday at a private hospital in Faridabad, Haryana.
A range of political figures attended or extended condolences, showcasing the immense respect and influence Rana held across Jammu and Kashmir.
Attendees included J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, BJP J&K President Ravinder Raina, MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma, and numerous senior officials from the civil and police services.
Rana, who initially secured the Nagrota Assembly seat in 2014 with the National Conference (NC) and later retained it under the BJP banner in 2024, earned widespread support by defeating NC’s Joginder Singh by a margin exceeding 30,000 votes.
Omar Abdullah made a special visit to pay respects, highlighting Rana’s impact on Jammu’s political landscape. Family members, joined by BJP’s Ravinder Raina, Jugal Kishore Sharma, and MLA Pawan Gupta, performed the cremation rituals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss, saying, "Shri Devender Singh Rana Ji’s untimely demise is shocking. He was a veteran leader who contributed significantly to J&K’s progress and strengthening the BJP. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this hour of grief. Om Shanti."
Union Home Minister Amit Shah remembered Rana for his steadfast dedication to the development of J&K, saying, "Devender Ji always prioritized peace and the progress of J&K’s people. His passing is an irreplaceable loss to the BJP family."
"Deeply shocked & saddened by the untimely passing of @DevenderSRana MLA,Nagrota,Jammu.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelMy heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace, & may God grant his loved ones strength to bear this profound loss," the PC chairman sajad Lone said.
Rana, who began his political journey with the National Conference as Omar Abdullah's adviser and Provincial President, later joined the BJP in 2021, becoming a crucial political figure in Jammu.
Known as a successful entrepreneur and for his skill in connecting with a diverse range of communities, his advocacy for a Dogra chief minister and statehood restoration earned him substantial support in Jammu, especially among the Gujjar community.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha shared heartfelt condolences, describing Rana as "a patriotic and widely respected leader dedicated to J&K’s people." Former J&K Governor NN Vohra remembered him as a "rare gentleman-politician" and a vital figure in Jammu’s political landscape, who "had much more to offer in service to his people."
Omar Abdullah also expressed personal grief, noting that despite recent differences, he preferred to "cherish the good times and impactful work we shared."
In a message on X, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary wrote, "This news is especially disheartening on an auspicious day. My condolences go to his family and the PMO @DrJitendraSingh on the loss of his younger brother. Deepest condolences to all his loved ones. Om Shanti."
Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti also conveyed her condolences, sharing, "Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Devinder Rana ji. Deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."(KNS)