A former Union minister and two-time Rajya Sabha member from West Bengal, Roy's four-decade-long political journey saw his stints in the Congress, TMC and the BJP
Kolkata: Veteran politician, former railway minister and one of the founders of Trinamul Congress, Mukul Roy, who earned ‘Chanakya of Bengal politics’ fame for his instrumental role behind the rise of Mamata Banerjee's party to power in the state, passed away at a private hospital in the city early Monday following a prolonged illness. He was 71.
Roy is survived by his son Shubhrangshu, a former TMC MLA. Shubhranghshu said that his father died at around 1.30 am at Apollo Hospital due to multiple ailments. Roy, who rose no 2 in TMC as its general secretary but switched to BJP in November of 2017, defected to TMC in June of 2021 after winning as a BJP MLA from Krishnanagar North in Nadia.
He however became politically inactive. On November 13, the Calcutta High Court disqualified Roy as an MLA under the anti-defection law following a case filed by leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari challenging Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee’s clean chit to him. The Supreme Court however stayed the HC order on January 16.
TMC supremo and chief minister Mamata Banerjee mourned the demise of Roy, who was once her trusted lieutenant. She posted on X-handle, “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden news of the demise of veteran politician Mukul Roy. He was my long-time political colleague and fellow warrior in many political struggles. The news of his departure has left me heartbroken. Late Mukul Roy devoted his life to the party from the very inception of the Trinamool Congress.”
Ms Banerjee stated, “He became a union minister and enjoyed acceptability across all levels of the party. Later, he took a different path, only to return again. His contributions to Bengal's politics and his organizational acumen are unforgettable. The political circles across party lines will feel his absence. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and admirers of this experienced leader and my colleague. I will ask Shubhrangshu: Be steady. In this crisis, we are with you.”
Posting his photo with Roy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stated, “Pained by the passing of former Union Minister Shri Mukul Roy Ji. He will be remembered for his political experience and efforts to serve society. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.” Ms Banerjee's MP nephew Abhishek Banerjee also condoled Roy's death and paid tribute to him at the Assembly where the body was taken before last rites.
