Former Union Minister and three-time Odisha BJP president Debendra Pradhan dies at 84 in New Delhi
Debendra Pradhan, former Union Minister in the Vajpayee government, three-time Odisha BJP president and father of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, died in New Delhi on 17 March 2025 at the age of 84.
Summary
Debendra Pradhan, a veteran BJP leader from Odisha, died on 17 March 2025 at his son's official residence at Teen Murti Lane, New Delhi. He was 84. He was a three-time president of the BJP in Odisha and served as a Union Minister (Surface Transport, later Agriculture) in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government between 1999 and 2001. He is survived by two sons, including Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi condoled his death; the PM paid tributes in person and recalled his work as an MP and minister and in strengthening the party in Odisha.
Key facts
- Died
- 17 March 2025, Teen Murti Lane, New Delhi
- Age
- 84
- Party role
- Three-time Odisha BJP president
- Minister
- Surface Transport and Agriculture, Vajpayee government (1999–2001)
- Son
- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Debendra Pradhan, who died on 17 March 2025, was a three-time president of the BJP's unit in which state?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Odisha
Debendra Pradhan was a three-time president of the BJP in Odisha and the father of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan (died 17 March 2025) held which portfolios in the Vajpayee government?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Surface Transport and Agriculture
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi recalled that he served as Union Minister for (Surface) Transport and Agriculture between 1999 and 2001.