Bhubaneswar, March 17 Paying tribute to former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan on his first death anniversary, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday that he was the "Bhishma Pitamah" of the BJP in Odisha.
Addressing a large gathering of leaders from various fields here, Singh said that Pradhan was called the "Bhishma Pitamah" of the Odisha BJP because he was not only a skilled strategist but also fully committed to the party's ideology.
He skillfully guided the party amidst the complexities of regional politics, the Defence Minister said.
"Today, the Bharatiya Janata Party is continuously expanding in Odisha and moving forward on the strong foundation laid by Pradhan," he said.
Pradhan was the president of the state BJP three times, during which he worked to strengthen the party at the grassroots level, Singh said, adding that "This was part of his passion to establish a direct relationship with party workers."
With dedication, organizational ability, and foresight, he strengthened the party's roots in Odisha, and today, the BJP is ruling the state, he said.
He had also led the brick collection campaign in Odisha about 30 years ago for the construction of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Singh said.
Pradhan connected various sections of society to this movement and strengthened the sentiment of faith, participation, and cultural unity among the people, Singh said.
He further noted that Pradhan has served in several important roles in the Central government and played an active role in the formulation of national policies. He has contributed to the implementation of numerous schemes in sectors such as energy, petroleum, and natural gas.
"One of the most memorable moments in Pradhan ji's political life was the day he took his oath as a Union Minister in the Odia language. It was not merely a formality but a powerful message. He ensured that the Odia language received its due respect," Singh stated.
The contribution of the late Pradhan to the Odisha BJP and Indian politics is unforgettable. His ideology, spirit of service, and dedication to national unity will always continue to inspire future generations, Singh said, adding that his guidance, his leadership, and his policies will forever remain alive in the political landscape of Odisha and India.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in his speech, said that humility and friendliness were the biggest attractions of the late Debendra Pradhan's personality.
He was completely dedicated to the policies and ideology of the BJP, and this was always reflected in his behaviour and speech, Majhi said.
Stating that Pradhan's determination, hard work, and commitment were the main factors in strengthening the organization of the BJP in Odisha, the CM said, "He was a source of immense inspiration for all of us."
Among others, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, state BJP president Manmohan Samal, and senior leaders of Odisha were present at the event.
