Mukul Roy, Trinamool's former No. 2 and ex-Railway Minister, dies at 71
Veteran politician Mukul Roy, once considered Trinamool Congress's second-in-command and former Railway Minister, passed away on February 23, 2026, at the age of 71 due to cardiac arrest. Roy, known as the 'Chanakya of Bengal politics,' had a prominent career marked by shifting party allegiances and significant roles in both state and national politics. His demise was confirmed by his son, Subhranshu Roy.
Key Highlights
- Mukul Roy, a key Trinamool Congress leader and former Railway Minister, has died.
- He passed away at the age of 71 due to a cardiac arrest.
- Roy was once considered the 'Chanakya of Bengal politics' and Trinamool's No. 2.
- His political career included stints with the Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party.
- His son, Subhranshu Roy, confirmed his death.
- He had been suffering from various health ailments prior to his passing.
Veteran politician Mukul Roy, a towering figure in West Bengal politics and a former Union Railway Minister, passed away on February 23, 2026, at the age of 71. His demise, attributed to cardiac arrest, was confirmed by his son, Subhranshu Roy, and reported by multiple news outlets including India Today, NDTV, The Times of India, and The Hindu. Roy was widely recognized as the 'Chanakya of Bengal politics,' a testament to his strategic acumen and influence within political circles. He was often described as the second-in-command in the Trinamool Congress (TMC), a close confidant of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and played a pivotal role in the party's rise to power.
Born on April 17, 1954, Mukul Roy began his political journey with the Indian National Congress before becoming a founding member of the Trinamool Congress when it was established in January 1998. He quickly rose through the party ranks, becoming its key representative in New Delhi and later its general secretary in 2006. His strategic skills were instrumental in the TMC's historic victory in the 2011 West Bengal Assembly elections, which ended 34 years of Left Front rule. During the UPA-II government, Roy held significant portfolios, serving as the Minister of State for Shipping and subsequently as the Union Railway Minister from March 2012 to September 2012. He succeeded Dinesh Trivedi as Railway Minister amidst controversy over fare hikes and his tenure was marked by significant policy decisions.
Roy's political career was also characterized by significant shifts in allegiance. In November 2017, citing a rift with the TMC leadership, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and played a crucial role in expanding its footprint in West Bengal, with the party crediting him for its success in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He was elected as a BJP MLA from Krishnanagar Uttar in the 2021 Assembly elections. However, his association with the BJP was short-lived. In June 2021, he rejoined the Trinamool Congress. This move triggered legal proceedings under the anti-defection law, and while the Calcutta High Court disqualified him as an MLA, the Supreme Court of India later stayed this order in January 2026. His return to TMC was overshadowed by declining health, and he largely withdrew from active politics in his final years.
In his later years, Mukul Roy battled various health issues, including dementia and other ailments, which led to his hospitalization on multiple occasions. His prolonged illness and eventual death due to cardiac arrest mark the end of a long and eventful political career that significantly shaped the political landscape of West Bengal and left an indelible mark on national politics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mukul Roy?
Mukul Roy was a prominent Indian politician from West Bengal, known for his significant roles in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and as a former Union Railway Minister. He was often referred to as the 'Chanakya of Bengal politics' due to his strategic prowess.
What was Mukul Roy's role in the Trinamool Congress?
Mukul Roy was a founding member of the TMC and was widely considered its second-in-command and a close aide of Mamata Banerjee. He played a crucial role in building the party and strategizing its electoral victories.
What key positions did Mukul Roy hold in his career?
Mukul Roy served as the Union Railway Minister during the UPA-II government and held the position of Minister of State for Shipping. He was also a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha and an MLA in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.
What were Mukul Roy's significant political shifts?
Mukul Roy's political career was marked by significant shifts, including his departure from the TMC to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2017, and his subsequent return to the TMC in 2021. These transitions often involved legal challenges related to defection.
What was the cause of Mukul Roy's death?
Mukul Roy passed away at the age of 71 due to cardiac arrest. He had also been suffering from various prolonged health ailments, including dementia.
