Marxist economist Ashok Mitra dead

Kolkata May 1 (IANS) Eminent Marxist economist Ashok Mitra who served as chief economic adviser during Indira Gandhi s prime ministerial tenure and as Finance Minister of West Bengal passed away at a nursing home here on Tuesday following old age complications. He was 89.

The Sahitya Akademi awardee was a widower.

Mitra who was minister in the state s Left Front government was hospitalised for almost a month with complaints of diarrhoea and later developed respiratory problems. He passed away at 9.15 a.m.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled Mitra s death.

"Saddened at the passing away of noted economist former Finance Minister of Bengal and former Rajya Sabha MP Dr Ashok Mitra. He had a long career with the World Bank IIM Calcutta and as Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India. Condolences to his family & well wishers " she said in a tweet.

--IANS
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