Kolkata: Senior political leader and former Union Railway Minister Mukul Roy passed away in the early hours of Monday after suffering a heart attack. He was 71. Roy was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kolkata, where his condition suddenly worsened late at night.
His family confirmed that doctors tried to revive him, but he could not be saved.
Long Battle With Health Issues
Mukul Roy had been dealing with serious health problems for several years. He suffered from kidney-related complications and other medical conditions that required repeated hospitalisation. Due to his fragile health, he had stayed away from active political life in recent times.
Those close to him said his health had been unstable for a long period, and his public appearances had become rare.
Key Architect of Trinamool Congress
Roy was one of the founding members of the Trinamool Congress and played a crucial role in shaping the party during its early years. He was considered one of the most influential leaders in the organisation and worked closely with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Because of his sharp political strategy and organisational skills, Roy earned the reputation of being a master planner in Bengal politics.
Ministerial Role at the Centre
During the UPA government, Mukul Roy served as Minister of State in the Union government. He handled responsibilities in the Shipping Ministry and later in the Railways Ministry. Before joining the Trinamool Congress, he had also spent time in the Indian National Congress.
Move to BJP and Return to TMC
In 2017, Roy made a major political move by leaving the Trinamool Congress and joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. During his time in the BJP, he played an important role in strengthening the party’s structure in West Bengal.
He contested and won the 2021 Assembly elections as a BJP candidate. However, after the polls, he returned to the Trinamool Congress, a decision that triggered political debate across the state. His declining health soon after kept him away from political activities.
