Journalist and former Rajya Sabha member Chandan Mitra passed away on Wednesday night, his family said on Thursday.
His son, Kushan Mitra, said in a tweet that Mr. Mitra passed away late on Wednesday night. “...He had been suffering for a while,” Mr. Kushan Mitra said. The 66-year-old former BJP MP had been the editor-in-chief of The Pioneer.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences in a tweet: “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.”
Swapan Dasgupta, a journalist and Rajya Sabha MP, recalled growing up with Mr. Chandan Mitra.
“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,” Mr. Dasgupta said in a tweet.
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, whose party Mr. Chandan Mitra had joined in 2018, said in a tweet: “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.”
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor remembered the journalist from their time as students of St. Stephen’s College. “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. RIP”.
