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Devender Singh Rana, a prominent figure in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, passed away on Thursday night, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy for the rights of the Jammu region. His life, spanning decades of political engagement, was marked by his unwavering commitment to representing the aspirations of the people of Jammu, a region often perceived as being marginalized in the larger political discourse of the state. Known for his passionate advocacy and sharp intellect, Rana played a significant role in shaping the political dynamics of the region, particularly during the turbulent years following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
His political journey began in the early 2000s, when he joined the National Conference (NC), a prominent regional party with deep roots in the Kashmir Valley. Over the years, he rose through the ranks of the party, serving as media advisor to the then-party president Omar Abdullah, and later becoming a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council. He also held the position of political advisor to Omar Abdullah during his tenure as Chief Minister from 2009 to 2011. While serving in the NC, he was a vocal advocate for the rights of the people of Jammu, often taking a stance that diverged from the party's traditional focus on the Kashmir Valley. His persistent demand for a public holiday on the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh, the last Dogra ruler of Kashmir, was a testament to his commitment to preserving the historical identity of the Jammu region. He also publicly challenged his party colleague Mohammad Akbar Lone, who raised pro-Pakistan slogans in the state assembly in 2018, showcasing his unwavering commitment to India's sovereignty.
However, in the wake of the political upheaval that followed the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Rana's views on the future of Jammu and Kashmir began to diverge significantly from those of the NC leadership. He believed that the region needed a new political narrative, one that reflected the unique concerns and aspirations of the people of Jammu, distinct from the dominant narrative emanating from the Kashmir Valley. This led to his decision to resign from the NC in 2021 and join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a party that had emerged as a major force in Jammu and Kashmir politics after the abrogation of Article 370. Rana's decision to join the BJP was seen as a natural progression for his political ideology, as the party's stance on Jammu's rights aligned with his own. After joining the BJP, he actively sought to expand the party's reach in the region, organizing the first-ever BJP rally in the Muslim-dominated Bathindi area of Jammu, a bold move that challenged the NC's traditional hold on the area.
Rana's political legacy extends beyond his party affiliations. He was a strong advocate for the rights of all communities in Jammu, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. He played a pivotal role in the development of the region, advocating for infrastructure development, educational opportunities, and economic growth. His unwavering commitment to inclusive governance and his tireless efforts to address the long-standing grievances of the Jammu region earned him the respect and admiration of people from all walks of life. His untimely demise has left a void in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, a void that will be difficult to fill. However, his legacy of fighting for the rights of the people of Jammu and his unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and equality will continue to inspire generations to come.
Source: Newsmaker | Devender Singh Rana: Strong advocate of Jammu rights, once the Abdullahs’ lieutenant