Devender Singh Rana, a prominent BJP leader and business tycoon, passed away in Delhi, leaving a profound void in Jammu and Kashmir’s political and business circles. Rana, aged 59, had been battling health issues for some time, and his recent illness saw him lose significant weight over the past six months. Sources close to his family confirmed his passing, which has left the region mourning the loss of a respected figure in both entrepreneurship and politics.
Rana, the founder of JamKash Vehicleads, revolutionized the car market in Jammu and Kashmir, becoming a leading Maruti car seller in North India. He was also the visionary behind TakeOne TV in Jammu, which continues to operate successfully. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, Rana rose as a political heavyweight, making history with his sweeping victory in the Nagrota assembly seat, where he won by the highest margin on record.
Initially aligned with the National Conference, Rana won the Nagrota assembly seat in 2014, as the party’s sole victorious candidate in Jammu at the time. In 2021, however, he left the NC, joining BJP and securing his place in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly by defeating JKNC’s Joginder Singh by an impressive margin of 30,472 votes. Rana was also widely regarded as the richest candidate in the 2014 assembly elections, further underscoring his influential status.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep sorrow over Rana’s untimely demise, calling him a “patriotic and widely respected leader” whose dedication to Jammu and Kashmir was unparalleled. “In his passing, we have lost a committed leader who served tirelessly for the welfare of our people. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti,” the LG’s office posted on X.
Other political leaders across the spectrum offered their condolences, including Union MoS in the PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh, Rana’s brother, as well as PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Congress leader Ghulam Ahmed Mir, and BJP spokesperson Tarun Chugh. Each praised Rana’s vision, his contributions to business, and his impactful role in regional politics.
Among those deeply affected was Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat, a noted entrepreneur and political activist, who honored Rana’s legacy in business and governance. “Devender Singh Rana transformed the automotive market in J&K and remained a pillar of support for countless communities,” Dr. Bhat remarked.
Rana’s passing on the auspicious day of Diwali has cast a shadow over the celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir. As the community remembers his dedication, his work and spirit will continue to inspire generations in both the business and political arenas of Jammu and Kashmir.
