Veteran journalist & ex-MP Chandan Mitra is no more

Chandan Mitra, a former Bharatiya Janata Party MP who switched to the Trinamool Congress in 2018, passed away late on Wednesday. Mitra was a journalist, former editor and managing director of The Pioneer newspaper in Delhi. 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.

A distinguished journalist and a shrewd politician he was a well know figure in the world of media as well as politics. He will be remembered for his vast knowledge and intelligent thinking and is ability to debate and write well.

In his condolence message, 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.

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

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” and tweeted, “Deeply anguished by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of sadness”.