Mamata Banerjee’s former right-hand man and ex-Railway Minister Mukul Roy dies after prolonged illness

A founding member of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and once a close aide of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Roy breathed his last at Apollo Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment.

Roy had been suffering from dementia and several age-related ailments over the past few years. He was in a coma for the last few days and had reportedly lost the ability to recognise people. As his condition deteriorated, he was being administered liquid food through a Ryle’s tube and had been largely bed-ridden.

Mourning the demise of one of the founding pillars of the TMC, party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee wrote on X: "The demise of Mukul Roy marks the end of an era in Bengal’s political history. A veteran leader with vast experience. His contributions helped shape an important phase of the state’s public and political journey.

"As a founding pillar of the All India Trinamool Congress, he was instrumental in expanding and consolidating the organisation during its formative years. His dedication to public life will be recalled with admiration. I extend my sincere sympathies to his family, friends and admirers. May his soul be granted eternal peace."

Leader of Opposition and BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari, who was once Roy’s colleague in the TMC, also condoled his death, stating: "Deeply disheartened to learn about the sad demise of Senior Politician; Shri Mukul Roy. My sincere condolences to his family. Praying that his soul attain eternal peace. Om Shanti."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute, saying: "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."

Roy began his political career with the Youth Congress in West Bengal. In 1998, he left the Congress along with Mamata Banerjee to co-found the TMC. He soon rose to become the party’s national general secretary and chief organisational strategist, playing a pivotal role in building the party’s grassroots structure across the state.

He was widely regarded as one of the key architects of the TMC’s historic victory in the 2011 West Bengal Assembly elections, which ended 34 years of Left Front rule. Known for his organisational skills and ability to manage political alliances and defections, Roy emerged as the party’s second-in-command during its formative years.

In his parliamentary career, Roy served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2006 to 2017. During the UPA-II government led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he served as Minister of State for Shipping (2009–2011) and Minister of State for Railways in 2011. Roy briefly took charge as Railway Minister in the UPA-II government in 2012.

His political journey, however, faced turbulence after he was accused in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam and the Narada sting operation. Over time, his influence within the TMC waned amid the rise of younger leaders.

In 2017, Roy quit the TMC and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where he served as national vice-president. He played a significant role in expanding the BJP’s organisational base in West Bengal, contributing to the party’s strong performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, when it won 18 seats in the state.

Roy contested and won the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections on a BJP ticket. However, soon after the results, he returned to the TMC following the party’s landslide victory and third consecutive term in power.