In a somber moment for West Bengal’s political fraternity, veteran leader Mukul Roy breathed his last late Tuesday night, prompting an outpour of grief from rivals and allies alike. Abhishek Banerjee, the rising star of Trinamool Congress and Mamata Banerjee’s nephew, took to X to express profound sorrow, calling Roy’s death the conclusion of a significant epoch in Bengal’s history.
Banerjee described Roy as an extraordinarily experienced politician whose pivotal role in public life and politics left an indelible mark. ‘He was instrumental in nurturing and strengthening AITC in its formative years as a founding member,’ he posted. Banerjee’s message concluded with heartfelt prayers for Roy’s family and a wish for eternal peace for his soul.
BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari remembered Roy as a powerhouse who fueled both TMC and BJP’s successes in Bengal. Highlighting the 2018-2020 period as BJP’s peak in the state, Adhikari attributed much of it to Roy’s strategic acumen. ‘Om Shanti,’ he signed off.
Roy’s career was legendary: from being Mamata’s trusted aide and TMC’s general secretary to switching camps. In the 1990s, he was key in the party’s registration with the Election Commission alongside eight others, backed by Congress defectors. His defection to BJP in 2017 sent shockwaves, reshaping alliances ahead of major elections.
As tributes pour in, Roy’s life story—from railway bureaucrat to political heavyweight—serves as a reminder of the fluid dynamics in Bengal’s cutthroat politics. His passing closes a chapter, but his impact endures.