Kolkata, 23 February. Former Railway Minister and senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mukul Roy died of a heart attack at Apollo Hospital in Salt Lake here at 1.30 am on Sunday after a prolonged illness. His son Subhranshu Roy confirmed his father’s demise.
Bengal’s ‘Chanakya’ Mukul Roy was an expert in defection politics.
71-year-old Mukul Roy, once considered the ‘Chanakya’ of West Bengal politics and an expert in behind-the-scenes strategies, was undergoing treatment in a private hospital. When he suffered a heart attack, he could not be saved despite all the efforts of the doctors. Mukul Roy had been suffering from several health problems for a long time, including kidney problems.
PM Modi expressed condolences on the demise of Mukul Roy
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the demise of former Union Minister Mukul Roy. He said in X Post, ‘Saddened by the demise of former Union Minister Shri Mukul Roy. He will be remembered for his political experience and efforts to serve the society. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.’
Pained by the passing of former Union Minister Shri Mukul Roy Ji. He will be remembered for his political experience and efforts to serve society. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/qlrvKM5E2w
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2026
He was once considered the second most influential leader of TMC after Mamata Banerjee.
Mukul Roy was also known for defection several times in state politics. He had been hospitalized several times over the years and had largely stayed away from active politics due to deteriorating health. Roy was one of the founding members of the Trinamool Congress and was once considered the second most influential leader of the party after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Roy, a close confidant of Banerjee in the early years of the party, played a key role in establishing the Trinamool Congress as a strong political force in West Bengal. During the second UPA government, Roy served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Shipping and later as Minister in the Ministry of Railways. Before the formation of Trinamool Congress, he was associated with the Indian National Congress.
Left Trinamool and joined BJP in 2017
In a significant political shift, Roy left the Trinamool Congress in 2017 and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, citing differences with the party’s new leadership. Between 2017 and 2021, he emerged as a key strategist of the BJP in West Bengal and was instrumental in strengthening the organizational base of the party in the state.
Returned to TMC after winning elections on BJP ticket in 2021
Mukul Roy contested the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections on a BJP ticket from Krishnanagar North constituency and won and became an MLA. At present, after the elections, Roy returned to Trinamool Congress, although he did not resign from the post of MLA.
His return to TMC sparked political debate and controversy, while his health continued to deteriorate. In recent years, Mukul Roy remained largely away from public life due to illness. His demise marks the end of an era in Bengal politics.
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