PM, HM, LG, CM, Dy CM, Nadda, Vohra, Farooq, Azad, Mehbooba, Sajad, Tarigami, Chugh condole demise
Srinagar, Nov 1: The demise of Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Nagrota and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devender Singh Rana was on Friday widely condoled across political circles in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the country.
PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, LG Manoj Sinha, and CM Omar Abdullah took to the microblogging platform ‘X’ to express their condolences.
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda also took to X and posted, “Deeply saddened by the untimely passing of senior BJP leader and MLA from Nagrota, Shri Devender Singh Rana ji. His dedication to public service and contributions towards the development of the people of Jammu & Kashmir will be remembered. His departure is an irreparable loss to the party. My heartfelt condolences to his family and supporters. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Om Shanti!”
Besides posting his condolence message on X, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted photos depicting Rana (his then Advisor), Nasir Wani (his present Advisor) and himself, captured in 2009, the trio enjoying some mirthful moments over smiles and laughter.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said, “It is a big loss for the people of J-K…I have no words to express my condolences on his demise.”
In the condolence message, former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, N N Vohra said, “I am deeply saddened to learn about the untimely passing away of Devender Rana, whom I had known for many years as a highly intelligent person and an exceptionally rare example of a gentleman politician. In his sad departure, the J&K polity and the Jammu region have lost a very popular and effective leader who still had a long innings ahead of him, for serving his people. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace.”
Elder brother of Rana and the Union Minister of State in PMO, Jitendra Singh too shared his instant grief on ‘X’, as he posted, “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.”
National Conference (NC) President and three-time chief minister Farooq Abdullah and incumbent chief minister Omar Abdullah expressed profound shock and grief over the demise of Rana.
The duo prayed for peace to the departed soul and much-needed strength to the bereaved Rana household.
In his condolence message, the NC President said, “We had good relations with him, but in 2021 he left the NC. We never made any statement against him. Death is inevitable and spares no one. Whoever has come, has to go.”
Offering support to family and supporters, he said, “May God give courage to them to bear this shock. We are with them in this hour of grief.”
Former chief minister and Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) President Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed deep sorrow over the passing away of Rana.
In his statement, Azad said that Rana was a prominent leader known for his dedication to Jammu and Kashmir’s development.
He highlighted Rana’s invaluable contributions, describing him as a leader whose commitment to his constituency and unwavering service will be remembered forever.
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 prioritised the well-being of his people,” he 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 prayed for the eternal peace of Rana’s soul.
Another former chief minister and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti expressed shock and sadness over the unexpected passing of Rana.
Offering her condolences, Mufti said, “Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Devender Rana ji. Deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Member of Parliament (MP) and senior National Conference (NC) leader Mian Altaf Ahmad expressed grief and deep regret over the demise of Rana.
In a condolence message, he said that the sudden passing away of Rana was a shocking and irreparable loss.
Altaf said that the deceased was known as an affable and compassionate individual.
He said as a multifaceted personality, Rana 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 for the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
Expressing grief on the demise of Rana, Pro-tem Speaker of J&K Legislative Assembly, Mubarak Gul in his condolence message said, “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Devender Singh Rana. He was a humble politician and a noble human being who touched the lives of many through his dedicated service and kindness. His contributions to our community and the state of Jammu and Kashmir will always be remembered.”
Gul said, “Words fail to express the depth of grief we feel and I extend my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family. May God grant them the strength to bear this profound loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. Devender Singh Rana’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those whose lives he impacted.”
Expressing his deep condolences on the passing of Rana, Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani posted on X, “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.”
Expressing shock, People’s Conference (PC) President, MLA Handwara, and former minister Sajad Gani Lone condoled Rana’s demise and posted on microblogging site X: “Extremely sad news coming in. Devender 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.”
MLA Khanyar and NC General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar expressed profound condolences on the passing of Rana.
Sharing an emotional message, Sagar said, “I’m struggling to find the right words in extending my condolences to the bereaved family of long-time colleague Devender Singh Rana. His passing has left all of us mourning and reiterated the stark reality of this ephemeral world. Prayers and thoughts with his loved ones. My deepest sympathies to Jitendra Singh on his loss. I hope and pray the family heals and recovers from this irreversible loss.”
Expressing grief and sorrow over the demise of Rana, MLA Kulgam and CPI (M) leader Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami in his condolence message said that the sudden death of Rana was shocking.
“Besides being a businessman, he has been in public service for a long time,” Tarigami said and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.
MLA Hazratbal and NC leader Salman Ali Sagar expressed deep sorrow over the death of Rana, saying, “My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, admirers and innumerable supporters of late Rana Sahab. His tragic and untimely departure has left a huge void in the political landscape of the Jammu region. I have countless good memories of him, being a senior colleague, at times friend and more. May his soul rest in eternal peace and his loved ones get the strength to bear this pain and irreparable loss.”
Former union minister Saifuddin Soz in his condolence message said, “I express my sadness at the demise of Devendra Singh Rana, who was a sitting MLA of Nagrota and a member of the BJP.
Years ago, when I and many others were invited by Rajinder Singh Rana, the then senior civil servant, to his house at Rehari Jammu, it was there that I met a young Devender Singh Rana. He had finally left the National Conference to join the BJP. He was rated as a good man and a well-mannered person. I offer my very sincere condolences to the bereaved family.”
BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh expressed deep shock and sadness over the untimely passing of Rana.
In a statement issued here, Chugh said: “Devender Rana 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.”
He said Rana’s passing was a significant loss to the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Chugh said that the BJP family stands united in grief and extends its support to Rana’s family and loved ones during this challenging time.
“His sudden demise has left a void in the hearts of many, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” he said.
In his condolence message, former minister and Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari 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.”
Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) Chairman and former legislator Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen expressed shock and sorrow over the demise of Rana.
In a condolence message, Yaseen said that the news of Rana’s death had sent shock waves through both the business and political circles in Jammu and Kashmir.
Yaseen conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
Senior NC leaders including NC’s Additional General Secretary Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah, chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq, Political Advisors Mushtaq Guroo and Mudassar Shahmiri also extended condolences and sympathies to the bereaved household.
Apni Party leaders also expressed grief and sorrow over the passing of Rana.
In their condolence messages, Apni Party leaders including Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, Vice President Javaid Mustafa Mir, General Secretaries Rafi Ahmad Mir and Vijay Bakaya, Additional General Secretary Hilal Ahmad Shah, Provincial President Kashmir Muhammad Ashraf Mir, Provincial President Jammu Manjit Singh, Media Advisor Farooq Andrabi, and chief coordinator and District President Kulgam Abdul Majeed Paddar expressed profound sorrow over the death of Rana and extended their condolences to the bereaved family.
PDP leader Arif Laigaroo also expressed sorrow on the passing of.
He termed his untimely demise as a tremendous loss not only to his family but also to the people whose lives he touched with his commitment to public service, leadership, and dedication.
“Rana was a respected figure, known for his relentless dedication to the betterment of Jammu and Kashmir. His contributions as a political leader and his work for the welfare of his community are a testament to his steadfast belief in creating a brighter, more prosperous future for his people. His legacy will remain an inspiration to many, exemplifying the values of integrity, compassion, and service,” he said. “Beyond his professional achievements, Rana will be remembered as a warm-hearted individual who held a deep commitment to fostering harmony and understanding. His calm demeanour, friendly disposition, and willingness to listen and address the concerns of others endeared him to so many.”
