Devender Rana, Senior BJP Leader and MLA, Dies at 59 in Faridabad Hospital

Devender Singh Rana, a senior BJP leader and Nagrota MLA, passed away at 59 in a private hospital in Faridabad, Haryana. He was the brother of Union Minister Jitendra Singh. Rana was receiving treatment at the hospital before his demise. He leaves behind his wife, Gunjan Rana, daughters Devyani and Ketki, and son Adhiraj Singh.

Rana's sudden death prompted an outpouring of grief. Many people, including political figures, gathered at his residence in Jammu's Gandhinagar area. Union Minister Jitendra Singh also visited his house. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed shock and sorrow over Rana's 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 X.

Political Journey and Contributions

Rana transitioned from business to politics, establishing a successful multi-crore enterprise from scratch. He was a strong advocate for Jammu's Dogra community. Recently re-elected to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly from Nagrota, he secured the seat for a second term. His political career began with the National Conference (NC), where he became a key strategist and advisor.

Rana played a significant role in expanding NC's base in Jammu as Provincial President. As Omar Abdullah's trusted aide, he helped shape party strategies in Jammu. In his first attempt at the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, he contested from Nagrota, a BJP stronghold, winning it for NC by defeating BJP's Jugal Kishore Sharma.

Condolences from Political Leaders

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary expressed condolences on X: "This news is especially disheartening on an auspicious day Diwali. My condolences are extended to his family and PMO @DrJitendraSingh ji on the loss of his younger brother. Deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti." Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also shared her sorrow: "Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Devender Rana Ji. Deepest condolences to his family and loved ones," she said on X.

The Jammu and Kashmir BJP described Rana's untimely death as a significant loss for both the party and the region's people. "His contribution and dedication to society will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace, and may God provide strength to his family to bear this irreparable loss," they posted on X.

Legacy and Influence

Born in 1965 into a Dogra family in Doda district, Rana was the son of former bureaucrat Rajinder Singh Rana. He earned a civil engineering degree from NIT Kurukshetra before venturing into business. He founded Jamkash Vehicleades Group, a multi-crore enterprise, along with a cable TV channel.

Rana was once a trusted lieutenant of National Conference leader Omar Abdullah during his tenure as chief minister. He held considerable influence among Muslims, especially the Gujjar community in Jammu. His deep roots in Jammu politics made him an influential figure for the BJP after joining them in October 2021.

Congress National General Secretary Ghulam Ahmed Mir expressed shock over Rana's death: "My heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives, and friends of the deceased. Having interacted with him in politics and beyond, Rana was a great, supportive, and visionary leader," Mir wrote on X.

Rana advocated for the Jammu Declaration after Article 370's abrogation, seeking statehood restoration specifically for Jammu. This stance clashed with the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration's goals of restoring Article 370 and statehood for all of Jammu and Kashmir.

Other political leaders like Sajad Lone, Junaid Matoo, Sunil Sharma, Tarun Chugh, Sham Lal Sharma, Choudhary Zulfikar Ali also offered their condolences on Rana's passing.