Somen Mitra, chief of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) has died, family members say. The 78-year-old veteran Congressman served as an MLA from Sealdah in Bengal's Chowringhee district from 1972-2006.
In a tweet, the West Bengal Youth Congress confirmed reports of Mitra's demise. The tweet read, "WBPCC President Somen Mitra has breathed his last, a short while ago. As we struggle to come to terms with this immense loss, all our prayers and thoughts are with Dada's family. May his soul rest in peace."
My heart goes out to the family of the Lt Somen Mitra. He was a giant of Bengal and he touched the lives of millions of people in his long journey. My condolences to his family and all those who admired him. His legacy will not be forgotten. @INCIndia @INCWestBengal https://t.co/YljhsJ0f0M
— Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) July 29, 2020
However, family members are yet to issue an official statement about the circumstances of Somen Mitra's demise.
According to news agency PTI, Mitra was admitted to a hospital in Kolkata with kidney and heart ailments earlier this month. He passed away at 1.30 am on July 30 following a cardiac arrest. The report added that Somen Mitra’s samples had returned negative for the novel coronavirus.
He is survived by his wife and son.
Mitra spent all his life in the Congress and played a crucial role in Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's political career during her days in the youth Congress. He had also been at loggerheads with Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Choudhury over a difference of opinion on the Congress' coalition with the Left in West Bengal.
WBPCC President Somen Mitra has breathed his last, a short while ago. As we struggle to come to terms with this immense loss, all our prayers and thoughts are with Dada’s family.
— WB Youth Congress (@IYCWestBengal) July 29, 2020
May his soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/lkDW8Q8f3q
(With inputs from Manogya Loiwal)