Chandan Mitra, Ex-BJP MP and Journalist, Dies; PM Modi, Prez Kovind, CM Mamata Pay Tributes

Chandan Mitra, a former Bharatiya Janata Party MP who switched to the Trinamool Congress in 2018, passed away late on Wednesday. He was also the editor of The Pioneer, but recent reports stated that he resigned as printer and publisher of the newspaper in June this year.

His son Kushan Mitra said that the former Rajya Sabha MP died last night in Delhi. “Shri 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,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh praised Mitra’s “deep knowledge, sharp writings and contributions towards journalism and politics”. Deeply anguished by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of sadness,” he tweeted.

BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta said, “I am posting a photograph of Chandan Mitra and me together during a school trip in 1972. Be happy my dear friend wherever you are. Om Shanti.”

“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 added.

President Ram Nath Kovind said that 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, he added.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted, “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.”

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