A chapter in West Bengal’s rollercoaster politics closed with the death of Mukul Roy at 73. The former Union Minister and TMC co-founder died early Monday in Kolkata, battling long-term health woes, as per family confirmation via son Subhranshu. Time of death: post-1:30 AM.
Roy’s imprint on TMC is indelible. Mamata Banerjee’s right-hand man and general secretary, he was among the founding nine who approached EC after her 1998 Congress exit, rallying state leaders to birth a new powerhouse.
UPA years elevated him: State Minister for Shipping, Urban Development, then Railways helm, where he delivered amid coalition dynamics.
Fallout brewed—stripped of post, ghosted from events. 2017: BJP switch, Rajya Sabha exit. 2021: BJP win in Krishnanagar Uttar, then abrupt TMC return post-TMC sweep, seat intact.
Legal fireworks followed. Speaker Biman backed him as PAC chair. BJP’s High Court win in Nov 2024 disqualified him; SC stay came Jan 2025.
Serial defector or shrewd survivor? Roy’s zigzags defined an era of defections. Tributes highlight his tactical genius, even as foes decry opportunism. Bengal’s arena feels his absence acutely.