Biren Mitra
Indian politician
Biren Mitra (26 November 1917 – 25 May 1978) was an Indian politician, student activist, and freedom fighter who served as the 4th Chief Minister of Odisha from 2 October 1963 to 21 February 1965. A prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, he also served as the first Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha from 23 June 1961 to 2 October 1963 under the administration of Biju Patnaik.
Mitra was a formidable grassroots organiser who played a pivotal role in strengthening the Congress party's presence in coastal Odisha. He represented the Cuttack Town and Cuttack City constituencies in the Odisha Legislative Assembly for four consecutive terms, winning elections in 1952, 1957, 1961, and 1967. His political journey spanned from the student agitations of the pre-independence era to senior state craftsmanship during Odisha's post-colonial industrial expansion. His executive career culminated with his resignation in February 1965 following a period of intense student unrest across the state.
Personal life
Mitra was born in a Karan family. He started his student politics with AISF (Communist Party of India students wing). The Biren Mitra Park located at Sector-11 of CDA in Cuttack has been named in his honour.
Political career
Early political activism and entry into the Assembly (1930s–1950s)
Mitra began his political journey during his student days at Ravenshaw College in the 1930s as an active organiser for the All India Students' Federation (AISF).
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