Chandan Mitra, former Rajya Sabha member and journalist, who had been unwell for some time, died last night. He was 65.
"Since it is already out there; Dad passed away late last night. He had been suffering for a while," tweeted his son Kushan Mitra.
A two-time Rajya Sabha MP, Chandan Mitra resigned as printer and publisher of The Pioneer newspaper in June.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes and condoled the death of the former BJP leader.
"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," tweeted PM Modi.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu called Chandan Mitra's death "a personal loss".
"Deeply saddened by the demise of former Rajya Sabha Member & veteran journalist, Shri Chandan Mitra. He was an erudite &highly respected journalist and parliamentarian. His death is a personal loss to me. Om Shanti!" tweeted Mr Naidu.
Ram Madhav, a senior member of the BJP's ideological parent Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), remembered the late leader as a good friend and offered condolences to his family.
Chandan Mitra had quit the BJP in 2018 and joined Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress, a party he had once blamed for letting loose a "reign of terror" in Bengal. He told NDTV at the time that he made the choice to work for the "betterment" of the state.
BJP leader Swapan Dasgupta shared a throwback picture of Chandan Mitra - whom he called his closest friend - which was taken during their school trip in 1972.
"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 tweeted.
"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," he added.
Fellow Stephanian and college senior Shashi Tharoor recalled Chandan Mitra's work as his campaign manager during the college election.
"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," tweeted Mr Tharoor.
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