Pinaki Misra: The Veteran Politician and Lawyer Who Captured Headlines with His Marriage to Mahua Moitra
In a quiet yet headline-grabbing moment, Pinaki Misra, a seasoned politician and distinguished Supreme Court lawyer, tied the knot with Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra in an intimate ceremony in Berlin, Germany, on May 30, 2025. The wedding, which took place away from the public eye, has sparked widespread curiosity about Misra, a man whose illustrious career in law and politics spans nearly three decades. As the news of their union ripples across India, it’s an opportune moment to delve into the life and legacy of Pinaki Misra, a figure whose calm demeanor and legal acumen contrast with the fiery persona of his new wife.
A Political Journey Rooted in Odisha
Born in 1959 in Odisha, Pinaki Misra hails from a prominent political family. His father, Lokanath Misra, served as the Governor of Assam, setting a high bar for public service. Misra’s academic credentials are equally impressive: he graduated with a degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and pursued an LLB from the Faculty of Law at Delhi University. This strong educational foundation paved the way for his dual career as a lawyer and politician.
Misra’s political journey began with the Congress party, where he made his mark by winning the Puri Lok Sabha seat in 1996, defeating the then-Union Minister Braja Kishore Tripathy. However, his political allegiance shifted when he joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), a regional powerhouse in Odisha led by Naveen Patnaik. Misra’s tenure with the BJD was marked by electoral success, as he represented Puri in the Lok Sabha for four terms—1996, 2009, 2014, and 2019. Known for his nuanced debates and persuasive style in Parliament, Misra served on high-profile committees, including the Standing Committee on Finance and the Business Advisory Committee. His decision to step back from contesting the 2024 elections, after the BJD denied him a ticket, marked the end of an era in his political career.
A Legal Luminary in the Supreme Court
Beyond politics, Pinaki Misra has carved out a formidable reputation as a senior advocate in the Supreme Court of India. His legal practice, which spans complex constitutional and commercial cases, has earned him respect among peers and clients alike. Notably, Misra represented Mahua Moitra in a high-profile legal battle, a professional connection that eventually blossomed into a personal one. His legal career has also contributed significantly to his wealth, with assets reportedly worth over Rs. 137 crores, as declared in his 2019 election affidavit.
Misra’s ability to navigate the intricate worlds of law and politics with finesse sets him apart. Unlike Moitra, whose fiery speeches and confrontational style have made her a polarizing figure, Misra is known for his calm and measured approach, a trait that likely complements his new partner’s dynamic persona.
A Personal Life Under the Spotlight
The marriage to Mahua Moitra, a 50-year-old TMC MP known for her sharp critiques of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has thrust Misra’s personal life into the public domain. This is Misra’s second marriage; he was previously married to Sangita Misra in 1984, with whom he has two children. The couple divorced after some years, though the reasons for their separation remain private. Moitra, too, has a past marriage to Danish financier Lars Brorson, which ended in divorce, and a publicized relationship with lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai that concluded amid legal disputes.
The Berlin wedding was a study in elegance and restraint. Moitra, aged 50, stunned in a custom pale pink Varanasi brocade saree by Raw Mango, adorned with gold jewelry and a floral gajra. Misra, 65, complemented her in a bespoke quilted bundi crafted from handwoven silk in a matching shade. The couple’s choice of a private ceremony, attended by close family and friends, reflected their desire to keep this milestone away from the media frenzy that often accompanies political figures. However, photographs of the event, including one of the couple cutting a wedding cake, went viral on social media, prompting Moitra to confirm the news with a heartfelt post on X: “Thank you everyone for the love and good wishes!! So grateful.”
A Union of Contrasts
The marriage of Pinaki Misra and Mahua Moitra is as much a union of contrasting personalities as it is a confluence of shared values. Moitra, a former investment banker turned politician, has built her reputation on bold parliamentary interventions and unwavering loyalty to the TMC. Her expulsion from the Lok Sabha in 2023 over allegations of accepting cash and gifts for questions—a charge she vehemently denied—only strengthened her resolve, as evidenced by her re-election from Krishnanagar in 2024. Misra, on the other hand, brings a quieter gravitas to the partnership, his legal expertise and political experience providing a steady counterpoint to Moitra’s high-octane style.
The age difference between the couple—15 years—has sparked some chatter, but it’s their shared commitment to public life and intellectual rigor that appears to bind them. Colleagues and friends have showered them with congratulations, with TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh writing on X, “Congratulations Mm & Pm…wishing you a lifetime of love and laughter!” Even Congress MP Shashi Tharoor extended his best wishes, underscoring the bipartisan goodwill the couple enjoys.
What Lies Ahead?
As Pinaki Misra and Mahua Moitra embark on this new chapter, questions abound about how their marriage might influence their public roles. Will Misra, who has stepped back from electoral politics, take on a more prominent advisory role within the TMC or continue to focus on his legal practice? Will Moitra’s combative political style soften or sharpen with Misra by her side? For now, the couple is expected to return to India by the end of June, likely resuming their respective professional commitments.
Their wedding, though private, has ignited public fascination, not least because of the sartorial splendor on display. Moitra’s Raw Mango saree, which took 45 days to craft, and Misra’s handwoven silk bundi have been celebrated as a nod to India’s rich textile heritage. Yet, beyond the aesthetics, this union represents a melding of two formidable minds, each with a legacy of challenging the status quo in their own way.
In a political landscape often marked by division, the marriage of Pinaki Misra and Mahua Moitra offers a moment of unity and celebration. As they navigate their shared future, one thing is certain: this power couple will continue to command attention, whether in the courtroom, the Parliament, or the court of public opinion.