"It's due to Debendra Pradhan's contribution that BJP formed govt in state": Odisha CM Majhi

Puri (Odisha) [India], March 18 (ANI): Following the demise of former Union Minister Dr Debendra Pradhan, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday said that it is the latter's contributions that the BJP has formed the government in the state.
"The last rites of Dr Debendra Pradhan are about to begin. Thousands of people have gathered here to pay their last respects... Dr Debendra Pradhan has done a lot for the BJP in the state. It is his contributions that the BJP has formed the government today... I pray that his family has the strength to bear this loss," Majhi told reporters.
The Odisha Chief Minister was accompanied by Baba Ramdev and BJP leader Sambit Patra. Meanwhile, the mortal remains of former Union Minister Dr Debendra Pradhan were taken for last rites in Puri, Odisha.
The last rites of the former Union Minister will be performed at Puri Swargadwar with full solemnity.
Dr Debendra Pradhan, the father of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, passed away at the age of 84 in Delh on Monday.
Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his last respects to former Union Minister Dr Debendra Pradhan, who passed away.
In a post on X, PM Modi said that Debendra Pradhan's contribution as MP and Minister is also noteworthy for the emphasis on poverty alleviation.
"Dr. Debendra Pradhan Ji made a mark as a hardworking and humble leader. He made numerous efforts to strengthen the BJP in Odisha. His contribution as MP and Minister is also noteworthy for the emphasis on poverty alleviation and social empowerment. Pained by his passing away. Went to pay my last respects and expressed condolences to his family. Om Shanti," PM Modi said.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed his profound condolences on the passing of former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan and said that his vision and leadership shaped the party and inspired generations.
"Deeply saddened by the passing of Debendra Pradhan Ji, former Union MoS and father of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Ji. A founding pillar of the BJP in Odisha, he was a true statesman and a leader of the masses. His vision and leadership profoundly shaped the party and inspired generations," Gadkari posted on X.
Pradhan was a three-time BJP Odisha unit president from 1988 to 1990, 1990 to 1993 and 1995 to 1997.
He also served as Union Minister of State for Surface Transport and Minister of State for Agriculture. (ANI)