KOLKATA: The sudden demise of Mukul Roy, former Railway Minister and a towering figure in West Bengal politics, has left a void that resonates across party lines. Abhishek Banerjee, nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and president of Trinamool Youth Congress, led the tributes with a poignant message on X, declaring the end of an era in Bengal’s political history.
‘With Mukul Roy’s passing, an entire chapter of Bengal’s political journey has closed,’ Abhishek wrote. He hailed Roy as a seasoned leader whose contributions shaped the state’s public and political landscape. As one of the founding pillars of All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), Roy played a pivotal role in its early growth and consolidation. His dedication to public service will be remembered forever, Banerjee added, extending deepest condolences to Roy’s family, friends, and admirers.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari echoed the sentiment, posting on X about Roy’s monumental contributions to both TMC and BJP in Bengal. ‘From 2018 to 2020, Bengal BJP’s golden days were powered by Mukul Roy,’ Adhikari noted, crediting him for the party’s surge. Prayers for his departed soul marked the message.
Once Mamata Banerjee’s closest confidant and TMC general secretary, Roy was among the nine leaders who approached the Election Commission in the 1990s to register the party after she split from Congress. Supported by several state Congress leaders, Roy’s journey from TMC founder to BJP strategist defined turbulent times in Bengal politics.
Leaders from various states joined in mourning, underscoring Roy’s influence beyond West Bengal. His legacy as a master organizer and political navigator remains etched in the annals of Indian regional politics, prompting reflections on loyalty, ambition, and the relentless churn of power.