Mukul Roy Passes Away at 71 | Legacy of Bengal’s Political Chanakya
The veteran Indian politician Mukul Roy passed away on February 23, 2026, at a private hospital in Kolkata following a prolonged battle with multiple health complications. A founding member of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and a former Union Railway Minister, Roy was 71 years old at the time of his death. Known for his unmatched organizational skills, he was a pivotal figure who reshaped the political landscape of West Bengal over four decades.
The Passing of a Titan: Mukul Roy’s Final Days
According to his son, Subhranshu Roy, Mukul Roy suffered a massive cardiac arrest in the early hours of Monday morning. He had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and dementia for several years, which had kept him away from active political life since 2022.
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressing deep grief over the loss of a leader who was once considered the “architect” of the TMC’s grassroots strength.
The Political Journey of Mukul Roy: From TMC to BJP and Back
To understand the impact of Mukul Roy, one must look at his strategic brilliance. He wasn’t just a leader; he was a master strategist who understood the pulse of rural Bengal better than most.
Founding the Trinamool Congress
As a close confidante of Mamata Banerjee, Mukul Roy was instrumental in the formation of the TMC in 1998. He played the “backroom operator” role, building the party’s infrastructure booth-by-booth, which eventually led to the historic 2011 “Parivartan” that ended 34 years of Left Front rule.
Tenure as Union Railway Minister
In 2012, Mukul Roy reached the pinnacle of national politics when he was appointed the Union Railway Minister under the UPA-II government. His tenure, though brief, highlighted his loyalty to the state of West Bengal and his ability to navigate the complexities of New Delhi’s power corridors.
The Move to BJP and Return to “Home”
In 2017, in a move that shocked the nation, Mukul Roy joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He is credited with the saffron party’s massive surge in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Bengal. However, in 2021, he returned to the TMC, a move that led to a long legal battle over his MLA status under the anti-defection law—a case that was only settled shortly before his passing.
Why Mukul Roy Was Called the ‘Chanakya’ of Bengal
The moniker “Chanakya” was given to Mukul Roy because of his ability to engineer political shifts and anticipate opposition moves. Even during the height of the Narada and Saradha controversies, his influence remained significant.
- Organizational Prowess: He knew party workers by name in almost every district.
- Bridge Builder: He could negotiate with leaders across ideological lines.
- Electoral Strategist: He turned data and grassroots feedback into winning formulas.
Conclusion: The End of an Era
The death of Mukul Roy marks the end of a specific style of transactional and organizational politics in West Bengal. Whether he was dressed in his signature white kurta or navigating the halls of the Parliament, he remained a force to be reckoned with. His legacy will be defined by his role as a kingmaker and a survivor in the volatile world of Indian politics.
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