Veteran Politician Mukul Roy Passes Away
Mukul Roy, a prominent Indian politician and former Union Railway Minister, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the age of 71. He succumbed to a cardiac arrest at Apollo Hospital in Salt Lake, Kolkata, in the early hours of the morning, around 1:30 am. His demise was confirmed by his son, Subhranshu Roy.
A Distinguished Political Career
Born on April 17, 1954, Mukul Roy's political journey spanned over four decades, leaving a significant mark on West Bengal and national politics. He was a founding member of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) in 1998, alongside Mamata Banerjee, and was often referred to as the 'Chanakya of Bengal politics' due to his strategic prowess.
Roy played a pivotal role in the TMC's historic victory in the 2011 West Bengal Assembly elections, which ended 34 years of Left Front rule. At the national level, he served in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA-II) government. He was first appointed as the Minister of State for Shipping from 2009 to 2011. Subsequently, he held the portfolio of Union Railway Minister from March to September 2012, succeeding Dinesh Trivedi.
His career also saw shifts in political allegiance. After internal disagreements, Roy joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in November 2017, rising to become its National Vice President in 2020. He was instrumental in the BJP's campaign strategy in West Bengal, particularly contributing to their gains in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. However, he later rejoined the TMC in June 2021.
Health Struggles and Final Years
In recent years, Roy had largely withdrawn from active politics due to deteriorating health. He had been battling various chronic ailments, including dementia and other neurological problems. In 2023, he underwent brain surgery for hydrocephalus, and in July 2024, he had another surgery to remove a blood clot following a fall at his residence. Family members reported that he had been in a coma for several days prior to his passing.
Legacy and Impact
Mukul Roy's political journey was marked by significant contributions to the political landscape of West Bengal. His strategic acumen and organizational skills were widely recognized across party lines. Despite facing controversies, including his alleged involvement in the Narada sting operation scandal and legal battles concerning anti-defection laws, his influence on the state's politics remained undeniable.
5 Comments
ZmeeLove
His role in breaking the Left Front's long rule was historic, showcasing his organizational genius and political foresight. Still, the allegations of corruption and his perceived political opportunism cast a long shadow on his overall public image.
Coccinella
The Narada scam cloud always hung over him. Not a clean slate at all.
Muchacho
He was a formidable force in Indian politics. May his soul rest in peace.
Habibi
An era ends with the passing of such a shrewd political strategist.
Bermudez
His career was more about defection than genuine service to the people.