Pinaki Misra, who was born on October 23, 1959, is a senior lawyer and veteran politician most identified with Odisha's Puri constituency. His professional work combines law expertise with a continued parliamentary presence in a singular manner, and he is a respected name in Indian politics and law.
Early Life and Education
Misra received his education at St. Xavier's School, Delhi, followed by higher studies at St. Stephen's College, Delhi, where he received a B.A. (Hons.) in History. He then developed his legal skills by graduating with an LL.B. from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi. This solid background in law and history laid the groundwork for his two professions as a lawyer and legislator.
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Legal Career
In addition to and prior to his political career, Misra is a Senior Advocate with practice in the Supreme Court of India. His areas of practice are extensive and include constitutional law, company law, foreign exchange, customs and excise, laws related to mining, environmental law, and company law.
He has been an advocate in practically all High Courts and prominent tribunals in India and has developed a reputation for his profound legal acumen and skills in the courtroom.
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Entry and Early Success
Pinaki Misra entered politics by joining the Indian National Congress. In the historic 1996 general elections, he defeated the sitting Union Minister Braja Kishore Tripathy and captured the Puri Lok Sabha seat. This victory initiated his long connection with the Puri constituency.
Switch to Biju Janata Dal and Parliamentary Term
Later, Misra shifted to the regional giant Biju Janata Dal (BJD) of Naveen Patnaik. He was re-elected to Puri in 2009, 2014, and 2019 and is in his fourth term now in Lok Sabha. His victory in 2019 was remarkable in winning over BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra in a nail-biting election.
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Parliamentary Responsibilities and Contributions
Misra's parliamentary life is identified by keen attendance and leadership assignments:
- Member of several standing committees such as External Affairs, Finance, Civil Aviation, Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, and Urban Development.
- Chairperson of Standing Committee on Urban Development (2014–2019).
- Member of Business Advisory Committee since 2019.
- Leader of the BJD parliamentary party in the Lok Sabha since October 2019.
- Member of consultative committees for the Ministries of Defence, Electronics & Information Technology, Communications, and Law & Justice.
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He is famous for his articulate and level-headed interventions during debates and for providing vivid legal and constitutional details instead of political rhetoric. His parliamentary session attendance and participation levels exceed the national average by quite a large margin, showing his dedication.
Pinaki Misra Marriage
In a major personal growth, Pinaki Misra wedded Mahua Moitra, a two-term Lok Sabha MP from West Bengal with the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The private wedding ceremony was apparently held on 3rd May 2025 in Germany. Both leaders have kept the event under wraps, and there has been no statement made by either of their parties.
Misra married Sangita Misra in 1984, with whom he has two children. The couple later divorced.
Mahua Moitra, who was born in 1974, is a skilled, fiery Parliament speaker and a former investment banker-turned-politician. Misra previously represented Moitra as her advocate in the Supreme Court, underlining a long-standing professional relationship prior to their marriage.
This alliance between two high-profile parliamentarians of regional parties has drawn huge media attention and political curiosity.
Interests and Personality
Aside from politics and law, Misra is an enthusiast with varied interests in music, art, literature, gardening, and sport. He was captain of the St. Stephen's College football team during his college years. His nature is generally noted as being calm, reflective, and extremely erudite, and he commands respect from both sides of the aisle.
Pinaki Misra has the unique blend of legal excellence and political sagacity. With great educational credentials, an illustrious career at the bar, and a four-time parliamentary experience, he has made valuable contributions to Odisha's voice at the national level.
His election as the leader of the Biju Janata Dal and that of snior advocate in the Supreme Court attests to his status as a prominent citizen of today's Indian public life.
His new marriage to Mahua Moitra brings another level of complexity to his public profile, combining two power player political careers from two different regional parties. As parliamentarian, legal specialist, and public figure, Pinaki Misra continues to influence discourse both within and outside the courtroom.