Kolkata, February 23 – Mourning poured in from all corners of West Bengal's political spectrum on Monday for veteran leader Mukul Roy as both Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari mourned the death of the state's "Chanakya."
Roy, 71, died of cardiac arrest early Monday at a private hospital in Salt Lake after a prolonged illness. His death marked the end of a five-decade-long political career in which he was a key figure in the Congress, TMC, and BJP, often playing a central role in West Bengal's political landscape.
In a heartfelt post on X, Banerjee said she was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the sudden death of her "long-time political colleague and partner in many struggles."
"I am deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of veteran politician Mukul Roy. He was my long-time political colleague and a partner in many political struggles. His departure has left me heartbroken," she wrote.
"He dedicated himself to the party from its inception. His influence was undeniable across all levels of the organization," she wrote, recalling how Roy had worked tirelessly for the TMC since its formation in 1998.
In a poignant statement, Banerjee acknowledged the rift in their relationship. Roy had "chosen a different path" at one point, she said, but "returned again."
"His contribution to West Bengal's politics and his organizational skills will be remembered. The political community, regardless of party affiliation, will miss him," Banerjee added, urging his son Subhrangshu Roy to "remain strong" and assuring him of their support during this difficult time.
Roy was a strategic leader who expanded the party's presence booth by booth and district by district.
Roy began his political career in the Youth Congress in the 1980s. When Banerjee broke away from the Congress in 1998 to form the TMC, he was among the earliest and most trusted members to join. He later served as a Rajya Sabha MP and held ministerial positions in the UPA government led by Manmohan Singh, including in the Ministry of Railways.
For years, he was considered the TMC's principal strategist – the organizational mind behind its rapid rise. However, the relationship strained after the Saradha chit fund controversy, and in November 2017, Roy switched to the BJP.
He played a key role in strengthening the BJP's organization in West Bengal, and after the party's impressive 18-seat performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, his influence grew within the saffron camp.
Yet, in a dramatic turn just a month after the assembly elections, Roy returned to the TMC, describing it as his "first and last home." Banerjee welcomed him back, although he never fully regained his former central position in the party.
Senior TMC MP and the party's national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee also paid his respects.
In a post on X, Abhishek Banerjee, who laid floral tributes to Roy, said that his death marked "the end of an era in West Bengal's political history."
"The passing 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 organization during its formative years," the Diamond Harbour MP said.
"His dedication to public life will be remembered with admiration. I extend my sincere sympathies to his family, friends, and admirers. May his soul find eternal peace," he added.
On Monday, his mortal remains were taken to the state assembly premises, where his former colleagues from both the TMC and the BJP paid their last respects.
Leaders from all political parties offered their condolences.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was saddened by the passing of the former Union minister and remembered him for his "political experience and his commitment to public service."
"Deeply saddened by the demise of former Union Minister Shri Mukul Roy ji. His vast political experience and dedicated efforts in social service will remain memorable. My heartfelt condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti," he posted on X.
Adhikari, who had previously worked with Roy in the TMC before joining the BJP, expressed his condolences and sent a wreath through his office.
"Deeply saddened to learn about the sad demise of senior politician, Shri Mukul Roy. My sincere condolences to his family. Praying that his soul attains eternal peace. Om Shanti," he wrote on X.
BJP legislators, including cricketer-turned-politician Ashok Dinda, were present at the assembly to pay their respects.
Condolence messages also came from other political parties, highlighting Roy's cross-party relationships built over decades.
Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Pradip Bhattacharya also expressed their condolences.
In his later years, the once-formidable strategist withdrew from active politics.
However, in death, the man once described as the "Chanakya" of West Bengal politics, managed to achieve what the state's polarized politics rarely allows – earning respect from his adversaries and acknowledgement from the leader with whom he had shared many significant victories and public disagreements.
