Mukul Roy Died at 71: A Long Political Journey Comes to an End
Veteran West Bengal politician Mukul Roy passed away at the age of 71 in Kolkata.
He suffered a cardiac arrest and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Salt Lake when doctors confirmed his death early Monday morning.
His son, Subhranshu Roy, informed party members and the media shortly after.
News of his passing spread quickly across political circles, with leaders from different parties expressing condolences.
Early Life and Entry Into Politics
Mukul Roy was born in West Bengal and began his political career in the late 1990s.
He rose during a period when regional politics in Bengal was changing rapidly.
When the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) was formed in 1998, he became one of its early members.
He worked closely with party leadership and played a major role in strengthening its ground network.
He was not known for flashy speeches. Instead, he built a reputation as someone who understood booth-level politics and organization management.
Rise Within Trinamool Congress
Over the years, Roy became one of the key backroom strategists of the party.
Many party workers credited him for planning campaigns and managing coordination during elections.
As the TMC grew stronger in West Bengal, Roy’s influence increased.
He was elected to the Rajya Sabha twice and later entered the Union Cabinet.
Role as Railway Minister
In 2011, during the UPA-2 government, Mukul Roy served as India’s railway minister.
This was a significant phase in his career.
His tenure was brief but important. It placed him in national spotlight and expanded his profile beyond Bengal politics.
Political Shift to BJP
In 2017, after differences within the Trinamool Congress, Mukul Roy joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
This move surprised many observers.
He was seen as one of TMC’s key strategists, so his exit created political tension in the state.
During the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, he contested from Krishnanagar Uttar and won on a BJP ticket.
Return to Trinamool Congress
After the 2021 elections, Roy returned to the Trinamool Congress.
This again shifted political equations in Bengal.
His return was seen by some as a personal decision, and by others as a strategic move.
Regardless of party changes, he remained a known name in West Bengal’s political landscape.
Health Issues and Final Days
In recent years, Mukul Roy had been facing health concerns.
He was not as active in public appearances as before.
On the night before his passing, he reportedly suffered cardiac arrest and was admitted to hospital.
Despite medical efforts, he could not be revived.
Political Reactions
Leaders across party lines paid tribute.
Many described him as experienced, strategic, and deeply involved in Bengal’s political transitions.
Some remembered him as a behind-the-scenes organizer who understood the importance of ground-level structure.
Legacy in Bengal Politics
Mukul Roy’s political journey reflected the changing nature of Bengal politics over the last two decades.
He was part of a generation that saw regional parties rise to power at the state level and influence national coalitions.
His career included loyalty, disagreements, shifts, returns, and long electoral battles.
And that’s what makes his political story complex.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Mukul Roy die?
He passed away due to cardiac arrest in Kolkata.
2. How old was Mukul Roy?
He was 71 years old.
3. Which parties did he belong to?
He was associated with Trinamool Congress and later Bharatiya Janata Party before returning to TMC.
4. Did he serve as Union minister?
Yes, he served as railway minister in 2011.
5. Which constituency did he represent?
He represented Krishnanagar Uttar in the West Bengal Assembly.
6. Why was he considered influential?
He was known for organizational strength and election strategy planning.