'Deeply disheartened': Leaders across political spectrum pay tribute to veteran leader Mukul Roy

Former Union Railway Minister and senior politician Mukul Roy passed away at the age of 71, marking the end of a long political journey that saw him play key roles across parties. Roy, once considered a key organisational architect of the Trinamool Congress, had also served as a Union Minister during his career. His demise drew condolences from leaders across the political spectrum.

PM Modi expresses grief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Roy’s death in a post on X. “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,” the Prime Minister wrote.

Suvendu Adhikari extends condolences

West Bengal, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, also expressed grief. “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,” he said.

Also Read | Mukul Roy, former Railway Minister and once Trinamool's key architect, passes away at 71

Dilip Ghosh recalls political journey

BJP leader Dilip Ghosh described Roy as an experienced politician who had served as a Union Minister. “He was an experienced politician. He became a Union Minister too. When he came to the BJP, he was given a lot of respect. From 2019-2021, he was with us. Later, he left the BJP and went to the TMC. For the last 2-3 years, he has been ill and could not actively participate in politics. I pray that his soul rests in peace...,” Ghosh told ANI.

Son Subhranshu Roy speaks

Meanwhile, Subhranshu Roy, son of Mukul Roy, says, "We will take the body of Mukul Roy to the assembly at around 12 PM... Top TMC leaders communicated daily and kept a track of his health... No one from the BJP contacted me. Only Saumitra Khan came to see him once... I will make a request to everyone now that my father has passed away. But many patients will enter here now..."

Mukul Roy was once considered one of the prominent secondary leaders and a key architect in the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and played a crucial strategic role in the party’s landmark 2011 West Bengal Assembly election victory. However, he was expelled from the party in 2017 in connection with the Narada sting controversy, which allegedly captured payoffs on video.

Also Read | Mukul Roy’s demise marks ‘end of an era’, says TMC All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee

Roy joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in November 2017 and rose to become its National Vice President in 2020. He was actively involved in shaping the party’s strategy in West Bengal. He contested the 2021 Assembly elections as a BJP candidate but later returned to the Trinamool Congress after the results.

Following 2021, he remained largely inactive in politics due to deteriorating health.