Senior BJP Leader and Nagrota MLA Devender Singh Rana Passes Away at 59
Senior BJP leader and Nagrota MLA Devender Singh Rana passed away at 59 in a private hospital in Faridabad, Haryana. Brother of Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Rana had been undergoing treatment. He is survived by his wife, Gunjan Rana, daughters Devyani and Ketki, and son Adhiraj Singh.
As the news of Rana’s passing spread, hundreds gathered at his Jammu residence, including political leaders and Union Minister Jitendra Singh. Known for his transition from business to politics, Rana was a powerful voice for Jammu’s Dogra community and was recently re-elected to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly from Nagrota.
Condolences from Leaders Across the Region
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep sadness: “In his passing, we have lost a patriotic and respected leader committed to the well-being of J&K’s people.” Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary also expressed his grief, noting the somber timing on Diwali, as he extended condolences to Rana’s family and Union Minister Jitendra Singh.
Other prominent figures, including PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and Congress General Secretary Ghulam Ahmed Mir, shared their sympathies. Mir highlighted Rana’s supportive and visionary leadership, acknowledging his contributions as an entrepreneur who created opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir.
The J&K BJP described his death as a significant loss, remembering his dedication and impact on society.
A Legacy of Leadership and Entrepreneurship
Born in Jammu’s Doda district in 1965, Rana, son of former bureaucrat Rajinder Singh Rana, studied civil engineering at NIT Kurukshetra before founding Jamkash Vehicleades Group and a cable TV channel. His entrepreneurial spirit marked him as a leading businessman in Jammu and Kashmir.
Rana began his political journey with the National Conference (NC) and quickly rose to prominence as a strategist, expanding the party’s influence in Jammu as Provincial President. A close aide to Omar Abdullah, he played a pivotal role in party strategies in Jammu. In his first Assembly run, Rana secured a victory for the NC from the BJP-stronghold of Nagrota, defeating BJP’s Jugal Kishore Sharma, a three-time MP.
Following the abrogation of Article 370, Rana became an advocate for the Jammu Declaration, pushing for statehood restoration for Jammu. In 2021, after more than two decades with the NC, Rana joined the BJP, bringing with him strong community ties and deep roots in Jammu’s political landscape. His commitment to regional development and dedication to his community will leave an enduring impact on the state.
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