Devender Singh Rana, an influential BJP politician and prominent businessman from Jammu and Kashmir, passed away at the age of 59 in Faridabad, near Delhi, according to sources close to the family. The cause of death has not been officially disclosed, though he had been ailing for several months, undergoing medical procedures and experiencing significant weight loss in recent times. Rana’s unexpected death occurred just days before he was expected to be named the Legislative Party leader, following his record-setting victory in the 2024 Nagrota assembly elections.
Rana, a pioneering entrepreneur, revolutionized the personal automobile market in Jammu and Kashmir through his business empire, JamKash Vehicleads. From its inception, JamKash grew to dominate the northern Indian car market, especially for Maruti Suzuki, solidifying Rana’s status as one of the region’s top automotive tycoons. His ventures extended into media, with the establishment of TakeOne TV, a channel that remains operational in Jammu.
Known as a charismatic and cross-community leader, Rana’s political journey began with the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), where he quickly rose to prominence as a trusted aide to former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. During Abdullah’s last term, Rana served as his political adviser and later became the Provincial President of JKNC. In 2021, he left JKNC and joined the BJP, becoming a key figure in Jammu’s political landscape and championing causes such as regional empowerment and the Jammu Declaration, which called for a Dogra chief minister and the restoration of statehood for Jammu.
In the recent 2024 assembly elections, Rana won the Nagrota seat with an unprecedented margin of 30,472 votes over his nearest rival, establishing the highest winning margin in the constituency’s history. He took his oath of office as an MLA on October 21, only ten days before his passing.
Beyond his political and entrepreneurial achievements, Rana was noted for his connections across religious and social communities in Jammu, including close ties with the Gujjar community. Originally from Jammu’s Doda district, he was the son of former bureaucrat Rajinder Singh Rana and the brother of Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. Rana graduated in civil engineering from NIT Kurukshetra before venturing into business, building his JamKash empire from the ground up.
In financial disclosures for the 2014 assembly elections, he was recognized as the wealthiest candidate, declaring assets worth over Rs 46.83 crore, with his spouse’s holdings adding up to Rs 76.73 crore. His financial portfolio included shares in various companies, agricultural and commercial land, and residential properties across several locations, including Jammu, Pathankot, and Greater Noida.
The news of Rana’s passing has led to an outpouring of condolences from political figures and colleagues across the spectrum. JKNC MLA and spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq wrote, “Shocked to hear about the sudden passing of Devender Rana ji. I had the chance to work with him and share some good moments together. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace!” PDP President Mehbooba Mufti also expressed her sorrow, tweeting, “Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Devinder Rana ji. Deepest condolences to his family & loved ones.”
Rana is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son. His passing marks the end of a career defined by a rare blend of business acumen and political diplomacy that left an indelible impact on Jammu and Kashmir’s economic and political spheres.
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