West Bengal’s political landscape dims with the passing of Mukul Roy, ex-Union Railway Minister, whose death drew poignant words from BJP’s Dilip Ghosh.
Ghosh, speaking candidly to the press in Kolkata, hailed Roy as a Bengal stalwart, TMC’s national voice, and former central minister. ‘He shaped Bengal politics profoundly, and his wisdom enriched BJP during his time with us,’ he shared, noting Roy’s reluctant departure from TMC amid illness.
Cardiac arrest claimed Roy late Sunday night at Apollo Hospital, where he was treated for escalating health issues over years. Family confirmation brought closure to anxious waits.
From TMC’s architect to BJP recruit, Roy’s career was a saga of loyalty and realignment. As general secretary and Banerjee’s confidante, he ranked second in the party. Crucially, he joined eight others in registering TMC with the Election Commission late 1990s, post-Banerjee’s Congress split, pulling in key defectors.
2017 saw his high-profile exit from TMC and Rajya Sabha to embrace BJP, a stint ending in 2021 due to deteriorating health that curbed his public engagements.
Ghosh wished Roy had more time to contribute, offering prayers for his soul. This loss revives memories of Roy’s cross-party influence.
Tributes highlight his role in Bengal’s turbulent politics, from founding movements to strategic shifts. His legacy endures as a testament to resilience and political savvy.