Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 2: Senior BJP leader and MLA Nagrota, Devender Singh Rana, who passed away in a hospital in Faridabad after illness, was cremated on Friday with State honour in Jammu, where thousands of people, cutting across party lines, bid adieu to him.
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In the presence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Dr Jitendra Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister Satish Sharma, MPs Jugal Kishore Sharma, Ghulam Ali Khattana, J&K BJP chief Ravinder Raina, BJP MLAs and others, last rites of Rana were performed at the Shastri Nagar crematorium.
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Amid repeated chants of “Rana Sahib Amar Rahein”, his mortal remains were ferried in a flower-decked vehicle and received State honour. Thousands of mourners with tearful eyes paid their respects at Rana’s residence also soon after his body arrived from Faridabad.
59-year old Devender Singh Rana breathed his last on October 31 late evening at a hospital in Faridabad where he was undergoing treatment. He is survived by his wife, Gunjan Rana, their daughters Devyani and Ketki, and son Adhiraj Singh. Born in Doda district in 1965, Rana was the son of former Chief Engineer Rajinder Singh Rana and the younger brother of Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock at Rana’s death and said his “untimely demise is shocking”. In a post on X, the Prime Minister shared his picture with Rana and wrote, “…He (Rana) was a veteran leader who worked diligently towards Jammu and Kashmir’s progress. He had just won the Assembly polls and had also played a noteworthy role in making the BJP stronger in Jammu and Kashmir.”
“In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with his family and supporters. Om Shanti,” he added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed grief over Rana’s untimely passing. “Devendra ji, who was always dedicated to the peace and development of Jammu and Kashmir and the interests of the people, made an invaluable contribution to the progress of the region. His demise is an irreparable loss for the BJP family. I express my condolences to his family and supporters,” he said.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, in his condolence message, posted on X, said: I am deeply grieved to learn of the untimely demise of Shri Devender Singh Rana Ji. In his passing away, we have lost a patriotic and widely respected leader, who was committed to well-being of the people of J&K. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.”
Omar Abdullah, who travelled to Jammu on Friday to bid farewell to Rana, his former aide, posted an emotional message on his X handle, saying, “The terrible news from late last night isn’t really sinking in. I know the last few years have been marked by our differences, Devender, but I prefer to focus on the fun times we shared together, the excellent work we did together, and the memories.”
“You have been taken from us all too soon and will be missed. May your soul rest in peace now, DSR. My heart goes out to your family as I struggle to find the words to convey my condolences to them,” he said.
In his condolence message, Dr Farooq Abdullah said: We had good relations with him, but in 2021 he left the National Conference, We never made any statement against him. Death is inevitable and spares no one. Whoever has come , has to go.” Offering support to family and supporters, he said,” May god give courage to them to bear this shock. We are with them in this hour of grief.”
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh took to X to express grief, saying, “The untimely demise of my brother Devender Singh Rana is a deep personal loss, which is not only irreparable and painful, but the void created will continue to haunt me for the rest of my life. I sincerely thank all those standing by me and the family in these testing times.”
Former Governor of J&K, N N Vohra also condoled the demise of Devender Singh Rana. In his message, Mr Vohra said,” I am deeply saddened to learn about the untimely passing away of Devender Rana, whom I had known for many years as a highly intelligent person and an exceptionally rare example of a gentleman- politician. In his sad departure the J&K polity and the Jammu region have lost a very popular and effective leader who still had a long innings ahead of him, for serving his people. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace”.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said, “He was a beloved leader whose loss has left a significant void in Jammu and Kashmir politics.”
Pro-tem Speaker of J&K Legislative Assembly, Mubarak Gul, in his condolence message, described Rana as a humble politician and a noble human being who touched the lives of many through his dedicated service and kindness. “His contribution to our community and the state of Jammu and Kashmir will always be remembered,” he said.
Congress’ J&K unit chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma also expressed his condolences. “This is very unfortunate. Despite ideological differences, he maintained friendly relationships with everyone,” he said.
CPI(M) leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami also expressed grief at Rana’s death, saying in a statement that his sudden death was shocking.
Meanwhile, in a largely attended “Shradhanjali Sabha” at BJP headquarters in Jammu, the party President Ravinder Raina, working President Sat Sharma, MPs, office bearers, senior leaders, MLAs, paid their tributes to Devender Singh Rana.
Ravinder Raina termed the demise of Rana as a great loss to the party as well as the whole of J&K r. Jugal said that with his sheer dedication, Devender Singh Rana made a special niche in the hearts of party workers and common people. Ghulam Ali Khatana said that we have lost a ‘Friend of All’. Kavinder Gupta said that Rana influenced all through his work culture and prompt delivery. Ashok Khajuria asked every party activist to pursue the idea of Devender Singh Rana. Surjit Singh Slathia said that Devender Singh Rana helped the people out of way and termed his departure as a great loss to the party, the region, and especially the friends along with his family. Sham Lal Sharma said that Devender Singh Rana was not just a political leader but a social figure, who had developed the faith of the people irrespective of their region, religion, or gender. Sunil Sharma said that the demise of such a great leader has created an irreparable loss. Sunil Sethi said that Rana was a focused leader about the Jammu & Dogras.
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