NEW DELHI: Former Rajya Sabha MP and senior journalist and Editor of ‘The Pioneer’, Chandan Mitra (65), died at his south Delhi residence on Wednesday night after a prolonged illness.
Mitra, whose journalistic career included a stint in The Times of India as senior editor in the 1980s, is survived by his wife Shobori Ganguly and two sons. Tributes were offered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and several leading figures in public life. “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,” the PM said in a tweet.
Mitra was elected to Rajya Sabha as a BJP member twice and was a member of the party’s national executive for several years. However, he resigned from BJP and joined the Trinamool Congress in 2018. TMC leader and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee condoled his death. “He will be remembered for his contribution to the world of journalism and politics,” she said.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh said, “Deeply anguished by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of sadness.”
BJP President J P Nadda said, “He will be remembered for his distinguished career in the field of media and service for people. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in this time of grief.”