Senior BJP leader Devender Singh Rana dies at 59 after prolonged illness

Devender Singh Rana, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and sitting Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Nagrota constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, passed away on Thursday at the age of 59. According to party spokespersons, Rana was undergoing treatment for a prolonged illness at a private hospital in Faridabad, Haryana, where he ultimately succumbed. His death represents a significant loss for the BJP and the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, where he was known for his influence and connections.

Born into a politically active family, Rana was the younger brother of Union Minister Jitendra Singh. He initially began his political journey with the National Conference (NC), where he served for over two decades and was a close aide to former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Rana’s tenure with the NC was marked by his active engagement in local governance and community development efforts, establishing him as a respected figure in the Jammu region. In October 2021, he made a significant political shift by resigning from the NC to join the BJP, a move that was seen as a strategic alignment with the party's growing influence in Jammu and Kashmir.

In the recent Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections held earlier this year, Rana was re-elected to the Nagrota seat, securing victory by a remarkable margin of 30,472 votes against his nearest rival, Joginder Singh of the National Conference. His electoral success highlighted his strong grassroots support and his ability to connect with the electorate, particularly within the influential Dogra community, which is a significant demographic in the region. Rana's previous win in the 2014 assembly elections on an NC ticket further underscored his political acumen and resilience in a changing political landscape.

Beyond politics, Rana was a successful entrepreneur, founding JamKash Vehicleads, which became the leading Maruti car dealership in North India. His business acumen extended to the media sector as well, with the establishment of TakeOne TV, which further diversified his professional portfolio and contributed to the local economy. His ventures played a crucial role in reshaping the automotive market in Jammu and Kashmir, establishing him as a key player in both the political and business arenas.

Following the announcement of his death, tributes and condolences flooded in from various political leaders and public figures. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep sorrow over Rana's passing, emphasizing that the region has lost a patriotic leader dedicated to the welfare of its people. Omar Abdullah, who shared a longstanding relationship with Rana, expressed his shock and grief, highlighting the memories they created together and the contributions Rana made to the state. Devender Singh Rana is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son, and arrangements for his funeral are expected to take place in Jammu on Friday, where many from the political sphere and local community are likely to pay their respects.