Former Union Rail Minister Mukul Roy passes away at 72, was in coma for months

Kolkata (The Uttam Hindu): Former Union Rail Minister Mukul Roy passed away at around 2:35 a.m. He was 72 years old. He had been admitted to Apollo Hospital in Kolkata for a long time and had remained in a coma for the past several months. Doctors confirmed that the senior Trinamool Congress leader died due to cardiac arrest.

In recent years, deteriorating health had kept him away from active politics. In early 2023, doctors confirmed that he was suffering from dementia and Parkinson’s disease, which significantly affected his memory and physical abilities.

Within the Trinamool Congress, he was considered second in command after Mamata Banerjee for many years. He was widely regarded as the party’s crisis manager and chief strategist, playing a key role in shaping electoral strategies, handling political challenges, and strengthening the organization.

His relationship with the Trinamool Congress deteriorated during the 2010s, particularly after issues such as the Saradha chit fund scam. In February 2015, he was removed from the post of National General Secretary. He resigned from the party in September 2017 and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in November 2017. However, in June 2021, he returned to the Trinamool Congress.

Often referred to as the “Chanakya of Bengal” in state politics, his death has led to widespread mourning in political circles. His passing is being seen as the end of an era in both the Trinamool Congress and West Bengal politics.

Reacting to his demise, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh said that Mukul Roy was an experienced politician who had also served as a Union Minister. He added that Roy was given due respect during his time in the BJP from 2019 to 2021, before he rejoined the Trinamool Congress. Ghosh expressed condolences and prayed for peace for the departed soul.