Kolkata, February 23 – The news of the death of veteran politician and former close confidante in the Trinamool Congress had deeply affected her, said West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Monday morning.
In her condolence message posted on her social media account, the Chief Minister also described Roy as a "long-time political colleague".
"I am deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden news of the passing of veteran politician Mukul Roy. He was a long-time political colleague and a close ally in many political struggles. His departure has left me heartbroken," Chief Minister Banerjee said in her social media message.
According to her, Roy devoted his life to the party from the very beginning of the Trinamool Congress. Incidentally, Roy was among the first nine leaders who approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) to form a new political party -- Trinamool Congress -- in the late nineties, which Mamata Banerjee founded after she left the Congress.
"He served as a Union Minister and enjoyed acceptance at all levels of the party. Later, he took a different path, but eventually returned. His contributions to the politics of Bengal and his organizational skills are unforgettable. Regardless of party affiliations, the political circles will feel his absence," Chief Minister Banerjee added.
"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and admirers of this experienced leader and colleague. I will tell Shubhranshu: Be strong: In this crisis, we are with you," she added.
Shubhranshu is Roy's son, also a politician and former Trinamool Congress legislator.
Roy passed away shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Monday, confirmed Subhranshu Roy.
He had been undergoing treatment for several medical complications, and he was not responding to treatment, according to his close associates.
He joined the BJP in 2017 and successfully contested in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections from the Krishnanagar (Uttar) constituency in Nadia district. However, he rejoined the Trinamool Congress soon after the results were declared.
However, he officially continued as a BJP legislator.