West Bengal Congress President Somen Mitra, aged 78, passed away at a Kolkata hospital in the midnight hours of Thursday.

He died around 1:30am after suffering a cardiac arrest, the hospital resources said , adding that he had tested negative for novel-coronavirus.

He had been hospitalized a few days back after his creatinine level was found to be high during a regular check-up. He was already a patient of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The state Congress Chief will be remembered as a major strategist, who, however, was unable to prevent a split in his party; resulting in the creation of the Trinamool Congress(TMC) and the fall of the Congress as a political power in Bengal.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted her grief over the distinguished leader’s demise: “Saddened to hear about the passing away of veteran leader, former MP and @INCWestBengal president Somen Mitra. My deepest condolences to his family , followers and well-wishers. “