Mukul Roy, Passes Away at 71
By KUNAL CHATTERJEE
Mukul Roy, a key figure in West Bengal politics and former Union Railway Minister, died early Monday from a cardiac arrest at Apollo Hospital in Kolkata's Salt Lake area.
His son, Subhranshu Roy, confirmed the news, noting that the veteran leader had battled multiple health issues like dementia, Parkinson's, and was in a coma recently after three surgeries.
Roy co-founded the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in 1998 with Mamata Banerjee and rose as her close aide, known as Bengal's "Chanakya" for his sharp strategies.
He served as national general secretary until 2015, helped the party grow, and became a Union minister, but later joined BJP in 2017 amid scams like Saradha and Narada. He returned to TMC before his health declined sharply over the last two years.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called Roy her "long-time political colleague and co-fighter," shocked by his sudden passing and praising his tireless work for TMC from its start. She added that his organisational skills and contributions to state politics will be remembered, despite his later political shifts.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said Roy's death ends an era, hailing him as a founding pillar who shaped Bengal's political journey and extended sympathies to his family.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the loss, recalling Roy's political experience and societal service, offering condolences to his family and supporters.
BJP's West Bengal president Sukanta Majumdar (also state BJP chief) described Roy as an experienced politician who was respected in BJP from 2019-2021, prayed for his soul's peace despite his later return to TMC.
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari expressed deep sorrow, sharing heartfelt condolences with Roy's family and prayers for his soul.
His last rites are set for Monday after the body reaches his home, marking the end of a colorful career that influenced Bengal's power plays.
