Srinagar/IBNS: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Jammu and Kashmir's Nagrota, Devender Singh Rana, passed away last night at the age of 59, media reports said.

Rana passed away at a private hospital in Faridabad, Haryana. He was receiving treatment at the hospital.

The businessman-turned-politician is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.

Prior to joining the BJP in 2021, Rana was the provincial president of the National Conference.

Rana was close to NC president Farooq Abdullah and present Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

In the recently concluded Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, Rana won from the assembly segment in Jammu region defeating the NC candidate by over 30,000 votes.

In the 2014 assembly elections, Rana had won from the same seat as a NC candidate.

Mournings

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is the supreme leader of BJP, posted on X, "Shri Devender Singh Rana Ji’s untimely demise is shocking. He was a veteran leader, who worked diligently towards Jammu and Kashmir’s progress.

"He had just won the Assembly polls and had also played a noteworthy role in making the BJP stronger in J&K. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with his family and supporters. Om Shanti."

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote on X, "The terrible news from late last night isn’t really sinking in. I know the last few years have been marked by our differences Devender but I prefer to focus on the fun times we shared together, the excellent work we did together & the memories.

"You have been taken from us all too soon & will be missed. May your soul rest in peace now DSR. My heart goes out to your family as I struggle to find the words to convey my condolences to them."

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP chief, Mehbooba Mufti, said, "Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Devinder Rana ji. Deepest condolences to his family & loved ones."