Tragic Loss: Veteran Leader Mukul Roy Passes Away After Long Illness

Kolkata: A significant figure in West Bengal politics, Mukul Roy, has passed away. The former Railway Minister and senior Trinamool Congress leader died early Monday morning. He was 71 years old. Mr. Roy had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kolkata. His son, Subhranshu Roy, confirmed his father’s long battle with multiple illnesses.

Mukul Roy: A Political Journey

Mukul Roy was a founding member of the Trinamool Congress. He joined Mamata Banerjee in forming the party in January 1998. Both leaders began their political careers in the Youth Congress in West Bengal. Roy became the party’s general secretary. He soon became a key voice for the Trinamool Congress in Delhi. He served as a Rajya Sabha member from 2006. From 2009 to 2012, he led the party in the Rajya Sabha. During the UPA-2 government, he held positions as Minister of State for Shipping. He later became the Railway Minister in March 2012. His sharp political mind earned him the nickname ‘Chanakya’ in Bengal’s political circles.

Switch to BJP and Return to TMC

In November 2017, Mukul Roy joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He played a crucial role in strengthening the BJP’s presence in West Bengal. He is credited with helping the party secure 18 Lok Sabha seats in 2019. He also brought several senior Trinamool Congress leaders to the BJP. Mr. Roy was elected as an MLA from Krishnanagar North on a BJP ticket in the 2021 assembly elections. However, his association with the BJP was short-lived. In June 2021, he rejoined the Trinamool Congress. After his return, his political influence seemed to wane.

Disqualification as MLA

The Calcutta High Court disqualified Mukul Roy as an MLA on November 13, 2025. This decision came under the anti-defection law. The court ruled that he had violated the law by joining the Trinamool Congress. He was elected to the assembly on a BJP ticket in the 2021 elections.