Bhubaneswar, March 17 -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday attended a program held in Bhubaneswar on the occasion of the first death anniversary of former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan and paid tribute to him. The Defence Minister said that Pradhan was a stalwart of politics and the Bhishma Pitamah of the Odisha BJP.

Addressing the memorial meeting organised at the OUT Auditorium in Bhubaneswar, Rajnath Singh said, "Debendra Pradhan was one of those leaders who worked to restore the lost credibility of the word 'politics.' He was a distinguished doctor and just as dedicated as he was to treating patients, he was equally committed to public service."

"Debendra Pradhan made significant contributions not only in education, employ...