It’s a personal loss: J&K CM pays tributes to Devender Rana

Days after BJP legislator from Nagrota — Devender Singh Rana – passed away after prolonged illness, CM Omar Abdullah remembered him in an emotional tribute in the Assembly.

As many as 57 obituary references were made on Tuesday in the Assembly in which the legislators remembers the MPs, MLAs, MLCs and others who passed away. Omar took a moment to remember Rana, who was once his close associate but differences had cropped up between the duo after the latter joined the BJP in 2021.

“There are 57 obituary references today, but I must take a moment to speak about one person who has been a close associate — Devender Singh Rana. He spent nearly two decades of my 26 years in politics by my side,” Abdullah said.

Omar said when he became the National Conference president, Devender was his media adviser. “When I became Chief Minister in 2009, he once again stepped into the role of adviser. Through every twist and turn, his dedication never faltered,” he said.

Omar went further and said Rana never complained when the ministries were reshuffled or he was tasked with the organisational work. “His loyalty to the NC was unwavering and his hard work was evident to all,” Omar said.

Pointing towards the benches of BJP MLAs, Omar said “You all witnessed it; wherever he was sent to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab or Gujarat, he excelled.” Omar remembered the humble beginning of Rana and said that he started with a small Maruti service station and was often seen in mechanic uniform cleaning vehicles. “That was the essence of Devender — hardworking and humble which led to him being a successful businessman,” Omar said.

“In my 25-26 years of politics, many have come and gone, but the departure of Devender Singh Rana has left a profound impact on my heart. His loss is not just a political one for me; it is deeply personal. The regret of his departure will remain with me for the rest of my life” Omar said.

(With PTI Inputs)