||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh 01,2024||

JAMMU : Jammu and Kashmir is reeling with shock as news broke of the sudden demise of Devender Singh Rana, a renowned business tycoon and prominent BJP leader, who passed away in Delhi NCR. Sources close to his family confirmed his passing, leaving behind a legacy that bridged business acumen with political prowess.

Rana, the force behind the multi-crore JamKash Vehicleades Group, rose to fame not only as a successful entrepreneur but also as a skilled politician. His victory in the Nagrota Assembly constituency set records as he secured the highest margin in Jammu’s electoral history, marking him as a powerhouse in regional politics. His transition from the National Conference (NC), where he had built a formidable following, to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2021 did not slow his momentum. In fact, he retained his Nagrota seat as a BJP candidate, winning with a margin of 30,472 votes over his NC rival, Joginder Singh, who managed 17,641 votes.

Rana’s political journey was distinctive. Born in Doda to Rajinder Singh Rana, a respected Chief Engineer, Devender followed in his father’s footsteps as a graduate in engineering. But his ambitions saw him venture into the business world, where he flourished, establishing the Jamkash Vehicleades Group. This entrepreneurial success laid the foundation for his political career, which initially found a home in the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference. Known as a trusted associate of Omar Abdullah, he held the NC banner until October 2021, when he made the bold move to join the BJP. Rana’s influence and reputation as an approachable, compassionate leader transcended party lines, attracting friends and supporters from across the political spectrum.

A close family source shared that his mortal remains would soon be brought back to Jammu, with final rites scheduled for Friday. His passing has stirred emotions among political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha leading the outpouring of condolences. The political fraternity mourns not only a skilled politician but also a charismatic figure whose wit, intelligence, and warm personality touched countless lives.

“Devender Singh Rana was more than a politician; he was a pillar of strength for many. His sharp intellect and affability are irreplaceable,” expressed one of his close associates. Colleagues recall his rise as a frontrunner for BJP’s Legislature Party leader, a testament to his influence and leadership within the party.

With his passing, Rana leaves behind his wife, two daughters, and a son, who now carry forward the legacy of a man who epitomized the best of both worlds—business and politics. In an era where such figures are rare, Devender Singh Rana’s absence will be felt deeply across Jammu and beyond, as people remember his storied journey from engineering graduate to a towering figure in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape.