Chandan Mitra, ex-Rajya Sabha MP and senior journalist, passes away; President, PM, condole death

New Delhi: Former Rajya Sabha MP and veteran journalist Chandan Mitra passed away late Wednesday night.

His death was condoled by President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other leaders.

Mitra, 66, had been unwell for a few days. His son Kushan Mitra tweeted about his death.

The veteran journalist and former MP's death was condoled by a number of political leaders.

Mr Kovind, while condoling his death, said, "Shri Chandan Mitra was an outstanding journalist and his stint as a parliamentarian added to his reputation. His understanding of Hindi heartland and its history was profound. His demise leaves a void in Indian journalism. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends."

Mr Modi said he was "anguished" by his death.

"Chandan Mitra ji will be remembered for his intellect and insights. He distinguished himself in the world of media as well as politics. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," the Prime Minister said in a tweet.

The West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said he would be remembered for his contribution to the world of journalism.

"Saddened by the demise of Shri Chandan Mitra. He will be remembered for his contribution to the world of journalism and politics. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones," she said.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur tweeted, "Anguished by the passing away of Sh Chandan Mitra Ji. An immensely respected Editor, who led The Daily Pioneer & served as a Member of Parliament. His vast experience & insightful understanding of issues always gave readers a new perspective. A huge loss for journalism".

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor remembered him from their days in the St Stephens College of Delhi.

"Deeply saddened by this news. Chandan was my campaign manager in my successful race to be President of the St Stephen’s College Union Society, served in my Cabinet & succeeded me. We remained in touch over the years, ironically till I returned to Delhi& politics separated us," Tharoor said.

Rajya Sabha MP and Mitra's former colleague from The Pioneer, Swapan Dasgupta said he lost a close friend.

"I lost my closest friend—editor of Pioneer & former MP Chandan Mitra—this morning. We were together as students of La Martiniere & went on to St Stephen’s & Oxford. We joined journalism at the same time & shared the excitement of Ayodhya & the saffron wave," he said.

Mitra is survived by his wife, and two sons. He served as the Managing Director of The Pioneer till June, 2019.

He was nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha during August 2003 to August 2009. He was elected to another term in the Rajya Sabha, as a Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Madhya Pradesh, in June 2010. He had joined Trinamool Congress in 2018. (UNI)