Srinagar, Nov 01: The sudden demise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA and senior leader Devender Singh Rana has cast a shadow across the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, evoking heartfelt condolences from leaders and parties across the political spectrum.
Rana, known for his service and dedication to his constituency of Nagrota, was widely respected for his contributions to public life, the welfare of the Dogra community, and the socio-economic development of Jammu and Kashmir. He was also a leading businessman.
As news of his passing spread, leaders from different backgrounds expressed their sorrow and paid tribute to him for his contributions. They expressed condolence and solidarity with the bereaved family.
Dr Farooq Abdullah pays tribute to former ally
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president, Dr Farooq Abdullah expressed profound shock and grief over the passing of Devinder Singh Rana, MLA of Nagrota and a senior BJP leader, who died at a hospital in the national capital. Dr Abdullah, alongside party colleagues, prayed for peace to the departed soul and for strength for the bereaved Rana family.
In his condolence message, Dr Abdullah said, “We shared a good relationship with him, and despite his departure from the National Conference in 2021, we maintained mutual respect. Death is inevitable, sparing no one. Whoever has come, has to go,” he said. The NC chief offered support to Rana’s family and supporters, “May God give them courage to bear this shock. We stand with them in this hour of grief.”
Party leaders, including General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, Additional General Secretary Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, MPs Mian Altaf Ahmad, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq and Political Advisors Mushtaq Guroo and Mudassar Shahmiri also extended their condolences and sympathies.
Mehbooba Mufti mourns unexpected passing
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed her shock and sadness at the unexpected passing away of Devender Rana, sharing her condolences with his family and loved ones. “Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Devinder Rana Ji. Deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” she said.
Nasir Wani reflects on life ended too soon
Advisor to the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Nasir Aslam Wani, expressed deep condolences over the passing of Devender Singh Rana. In a post on X, Wani wrote, “It’s too soon for you to leave us. Rest in peace, Devender. My heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends. May God give them strength to cope with this immense loss.”
Ghulam Nabi Azad honours a devoted leader
Former Chief Minister and Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) president, Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of Devender Singh Rana, describing him as a dedicated leader known for his commitment to Jammu and Kashmir’s development.
In his statement, Azad noted Rana’s leadership and vision, which brought hope and progress to many, and acknowledged his role as a source of strength and guidance for his people. “In his passing, we have lost not only a devoted leader but also a compassionate soul who always prioritized the well-being of his people,” Azad said, emphasising the profound loss felt by the community.
Azad offered his heartfelt condolences to Rana’s family, expressing his hope that they find comfort in the legacy of service and commitment Rana leaves behind. He concluded by praying for Rana’s soul to find eternal peace.
BJP J&K Chief Ravinder Raina remembers hard-working colleague
BJP Chief of Jammu and Kashmir, Ravinder Raina became emotional remembering Devender Singh Rana. He said that all of Jammu and Kashmir mourns his loss.
“Devender Singh Rana was a very hard-working leader of the BJP…The entire J-K is mourning the death of BJP leader Devender Singh Rana. He worked for every section of the society…He was recently elected as an MLA from the Nagrota assembly constituency by a very big margin…He will always stay alive in the hearts of the public of J-K,” Ravinder Raina told ANI.
A personal loss beyond measure: MoS Jitendra Singh on brother’ demise
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said that the demise of his brother and Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Devender Singh Rana is not only irreparable and painful, but the void created will continue to haunt him for the rest of his life.
“Untimely demise of my brother Sh 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. Singh posted on X.
A true public servant: Tarun Chugh
BJP National General Secretary, Tarun Chugh expressed deep sorrow over the passing away of Devender Singh Rana.
Chugh stated, “Shri Devender Rana Ji was a dedicated BJP leader and a true representative of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. His invaluable contributions, warmth, and commitment to service will be remembered by all. This is an immense loss to our BJP family and to the people he served so selflessly. My heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may God grant his loved ones the strength to bear this profound loss.”
Chugh added, “Rana Ji’s passing is a significant loss to the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. Recently re-elected to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly from the Nagrota constituency, he was known for his strong advocacy for the Dogra community and his significant contributions to the region.”
Chugh further said that the BJP family stands united in grief and extends its support to Rana’s family and loved ones during this challenging time.
CPI(M) leader Tarigami mourns sudden passing
Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami expressed grief over the sudden passing of MLA Devender Singh Rana.
In his condolence message, the CPI(M) leader said, “The sudden death of Devendra Singh Rana is shocking. Besides being a businessman, he has been in public service for a long time.”
A great friend lost: Sajad Lone
People’s Conference (PC) President and former minister Sajad Gani Lone expressed his shock over the sudden demise of BJP leader and sitting MLA Devender Rana.
Condoling his demise, Lone posted on microblogging site X: “Extremely sad news coming in. Devinder Singh Rana is no more. It is hard to believe that a great human being and an even greater friend is no more. He was so full of life. My thoughts with the bereaved family at this terrible, irreplaceable loss. May they muster the courage and strength to bear this loss. May the departed soul rest in peace.”
Lost a respected political figure: Congress spokesperson Ravinder Sharma
Ravinder Sharma, Congress’ Jammu and Kashmir spokesperson paid tribute to Devender Singh Rana, describing the loss as “very unfortunate”. He recalled Rana’s ability to maintain friendly relationships across political divides, underscoring the respect Rana commanded within various political circles.
MP Mian Altaf Ahmad pays tribute
Senior National Conference (NC) leader and Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmed has expressed grief over sad demise of Devender Singh Rana.
In a condolence message, the Member of Parliament from Anantnag-Rajouri Mian Altaf said, “The sudden passing away of Devendra Singh Rana is a shocking and irreparable loss. The deceased was known as an affable and compassionate individual. As a multifaceted personality, the deceased had carved a niche for himself as a witty, intelligent politician, who had friends cutting across political affiliations.”
The MP prayed for peace to the departed soul and courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
Apni Party leadership expresses solidarity with Rana family
The leaders of Apni Party have expressed deep grief and sorrow over the passing of veteran politician and prominent businessman Devender Singh Rana.
In their condolence messages, Apni Party leaders, including the party chief Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, Vice President Javaid Mustafa Mir, General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir, General Secretary Vijay Bakaya, Additional General Secretary Hilal Ahmad Shah, Provincial President Kashmir Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Provincial President Jammu Manjit Singh, Media Advisor Farooq Andrabi, Chief Coordinator & District President Kulgam Abdul Majeed Paddar and others, have expressed their profound sorrow over the death of Devender Singh Rana and extended their condolences to the bereaved family.
Altaf Bukhari, in his condolence message, said, “I am deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Devender Singh Rana Ji. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his grieving family, and in this hour of grief, I stand in solidarity with them. May Almighty give them the strength to bear the pain of this immense loss, and may He rest the departed soul in eternal peace.”
A rare gentleman: Former Guv Vohra
Former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, NN Vohra, expressed profound sorrow on Friday over the passing of Nagrota MLA Devender Singh Rana, describing him as a rare gentleman politician. Vohra stated that Rana’s untimely demise represents a significant loss for the political landscape of J&K.
In a condolence message, Vohra reflected on his long acquaintance with Rana, praising him as a highly intelligent individual and an exemplary leader. He emphasized that Rana’s departure leaves a void in J&K politics and particularly in the Jammu region, where he was known for his popularity and effectiveness. “May the departed soul rest in eternal peace,” Vohra concluded.
NC’s Rattan Lal terms Rana as ‘voice of Jammu’
Calling BJP MLA Devendra Singh Rana the voice of Jammu, JKNC Provincial President (Jammu) Rattan Lal Gupta on Friday said that it will take time to fill his loss.
“It is a great loss for Jammu. He was the voice of Jammu… It will take some time to fill this loss. His behaviour with people was very good… Till date, no one has pointed a finger at him… He did whatever he could for the people of Jammu, especially for the Nagrota assembly constituency… May God rest his soul in peace and may God give courage to his family,” Gupta said.
Hakeem Yaseen expresses grief
Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Front (PDF), has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of Devender Singh Rana.
In a condolence message, Yaseen said Rana’s death has sent shockwaves through both business and political circles in Jammu and Kashmir, creating a significant void in the region’s socio-political landscape. He extended his heartfelt condolences to Rana’s bereaved family and offered prayers for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
PDP’s Arif Laigaroo remembers Rana’s enduring influence
PDP Leader Arif Laigaroo expressed profound respect for Rana, describing his sudden demise as a significant loss to the public. He commended Rana’s commitment to public service, saying, “His legacy will continue to inspire many, exemplifying values of integrity, compassion, and service.”
Lost a party’s pillar: BJP’s Arvind Gupta
BJP leader Arvind Gupta expressed grief over the demise of Devender Singh Rana, saying that it was a huge and immeasurable loss to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Speaking to ANI, Arvind Gupta said, “Devender Rana ji was a great leader. He had a bond and relationship with me but he was connected to everybody and had a personal touch with everyone. No one was big or small for him. This loss cannot be measured, a party’s pillar has been lost. No one can take his place.”
BJP leader Nand Kishore Sharma also consoled the passing away of Devender Rana and said, “Devender Singh Rana played the role of a big brother to me. His passing away is a big loss to the state and BJP party. He had a brilliant and influential persona, it is unfortunate we lost him.”
Rana’s demise great loss to people: Sunil Sharma
BJP leader Sunil Sharma expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Devendra Singh Rana, describing it as irreplaceable loss for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters, Sharma highlighted Raina’s noble character and his commitment to working with the public, calling him “a very good human being”. “Rana Ji was well aware of how to work with the people, and this is a great loss for the people of J&K,” he said.
Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust pays tribute to grassroots leader
The Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust, led by Chairman Arshad Ali Choudhary, gathered to honor Rana’s legacy, lauding his grassroots work and commitment to marginalized communities. The trust’s members conveyed their deepest condolences and prayed for strength for the family in this challenging time.
Rana’s passing has left an unmistakable void in the hearts of people across Jammu and Kashmir, a testament to his widespread impact as a leader, friend, and community advocate. As the region mourns, his memory serves as a reminder of a life dedicated to the service of others and a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
