Veteran politician and former Union Minister Mukul Roy passed away in the early hours of Monday at a hospital in Kolkata. He was 71.
Roy, a founding member of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), died due to cardiac arrest at Apollo Hospital, according to his son, Subhranshu Roy. He had been battling multiple health complications, including Parkinson’s disease, and had undergone three surgeries. Family members confirmed that he had been hospitalised for over two years and was in a coma prior to his demise.
Political Career and Contributions
Mukul Roy played a significant role in West Bengal’s political landscape for decades. Before joining the TMC, he was associated with the Congress party. He later became one of the founding pillars of the TMC under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee.
At the national level, Roy served as Minister of State in the Shipping Ministry and later in the Ministry of Railways during the second United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government led by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
In 2019, Roy joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and remained with the party until 2021. He later returned to the TMC after the West Bengal Assembly elections.
Reactions from Political Leaders
Several leaders across party lines expressed condolences. BJP leader Dilip Ghosh described Roy as an experienced politician who contributed significantly to public life. He noted that Roy had been unwell for the past few years and was unable to actively participate in politics.
Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, also conveyed his condolences and extended support to Roy’s family during this difficult time.
Legal Battle Over Disqualification
Roy’s later political years were marked by legal proceedings related to defection. After being elected as a BJP MLA in May 2021, he joined the TMC in August 2021.
The Supreme Court of India had stayed an order of the Calcutta High Court that disqualified him from the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. The case involved questions surrounding the authentication of social media evidence under Section 65B of the Evidence Act in defection proceedings under the Tenth Schedule.
The apex court granted interim relief, allowing Roy to retain his MLA status while the matter remained under judicial consideration.
A Lasting Political Legacy
Mukul Roy’s career reflected decades of engagement in public service and governance. From his early days in Congress to his influential role in the TMC and later association with the BJP, he remained a prominent and often pivotal figure in West Bengal politics.
He is survived by his family, colleagues, and supporters who remember him for his political acumen and long-standing service to public life.
