Former Railway Minister Mukul Roy’s untimely death from cardiac arrest has prompted heartfelt condolences from BJP leader Dilip Ghosh, who mourned the loss of a Bengal political veteran.
During a media interaction in Kolkata, Ghosh painted a picture of Roy’s illustrious career. A senior Bengal leader, TMC national heavyweight, and ex-Union minister, Roy’s imprint on state politics was indelible. ‘His expertise greatly aided us in BJP,’ Ghosh affirmed, adding that Roy’s party switch was due to unavoidable circumstances.
The 68-year-old succumbed late Sunday at Apollo Multispeciality Hospital in Kolkata. Long afflicted by health problems, he was rushed to the facility as his condition turned critical. The family verified the sad news.
Roy’s prominence peaked in TMC as general secretary and Banerjee’s right-hand man. He co-founded the party in the late 1990s, approaching the poll panel with eight others after Banerjee broke from Congress. His efforts helped consolidate support from state Congress ranks.
Breaking ties in 2017, Roy joined BJP after quitting Rajya Sabha, serving until 2021. Chronic illness distanced him from rallies and events, yet his insights from both camps defined his stature.
‘I believe he had much more to offer; he was unwell lately,’ Ghosh said regretfully, praying for peace. Roy’s death underscores the fragility of political lives amid health battles.
Leaders from various parties have remembered him as a shrewd operator whose moves reshaped alliances. Bengal politics loses a bridge-builder between rival ideologies.