Mukul Roy Passes Away at 71: The ‘Chanakya of Bengal Politics’ and Former Trinamool No. 2 Dies After Prolonged Illness

Veteran West Bengal politician Mukul Roy, widely known as the “Chanakya of Bengal Politics” for his strategic acumen and backroom organisational skills, passed away at the age of 71. A co-founder of the Trinamool congress (TMC) and once considered second-in-command to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Roy breathed his last at Apollo Hospital in Salt Lake, Kolkata, following a cardiac arrest.

According to his son Subhranshu Roy, the former Railway Minister died around 1:30 am on Sunday after suffering a severe heart attack. Roy had been battling multiple health complications over the past few years and had recently slipped into a coma. He had also been diagnosed with dementia.

Mukul Roy’s Final Days: Long Battle With Illness and Dementia

Mukul Roy’s health had deteriorated significantly over the last two years. He had been frequently hospitalised and was receiving liquid nutrition through a Ryle’s tube. Family sources revealed that he had lost the ability to recognise familiar faces in his final months.

In an emotional statement, his son Subhranshu Roy said, “Everything is over. He suffered a massive heart attack around 1:30 am. After that, it was impossible to revive him.” His last rites are scheduled to be performed on Monday after his mortal remains are brought to his residence in Kolkata.

Political Journey: From Trinamool Co-Founder to BJP Strategist

Mukul Roy’s political career spanned decades and multiple turning points. He co-founded the Trinamool Congress in 1998 alongside Mamata Banerjee and quickly rose through the party ranks to become its national general secretary. His reputation as a master strategist earned him the nickname “Chanakya of Bengal politics.”

Roy played a crucial organisational role in strengthening the TMC’s grassroots presence, contributing significantly to the party’s historic victory over the Left Front in West Bengal in 2011.

Ministerial Roles in the UPA Government

Following the Trinamool Congress’ electoral success in 2011, Roy was inducted into the UPA II government at the Centre. He served as Minister of State for Shipping before being appointed as Railway Minister from March to September 2012.

His tenure as Railway Minister was relatively brief but marked a significant milestone in his political career, placing him among the top leadership of the party at both state and national levels.

Controversies: Saradha and Narada Scandals

Mukul Roy’s political fortunes began to decline after his alleged involvement in the Saradha chit fund scam and his name surfacing in the Narada sting operation case. These controversies strained his relationship with Mamata Banerjee and the TMC leadership.

In 2015, he was removed from his position as the party’s national general secretary. The episode marked a turning point in his career, eventually leading to his dramatic shift in political allegiance.

Defection to BJP and Rise as Key Architect of BJP’s Bengal Strategy

In 2017, Mukul Roy shocked political observers by defecting to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), just two years ahead of the 2019 lok Sabha elections. His move significantly altered the political landscape in West Bengal.

Roy was instrumental in building the BJP’s organisational structure in the state. Leveraging his deep understanding of Bengal’s political machinery, he played a pivotal role in the BJP winning 18 out of 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in 2019 — a dramatic surge for the party.

Return to TMC and Political Decline

Mukul Roy contested and won the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections from Krishnanagar on a BJP ticket. However, internal party dynamics and declining influence within the BJP led him to rejoin the Trinamool Congress shortly after the polls.

His return came just weeks after Suvendu Adhikari narrowly defeated Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram and assumed the role of Leader of the Opposition. Roy’s re-entry into the TMC was seen as both symbolic and strategic.

On June 11, 2021, standing beside Mamata Banerjee, Roy remarked, “Mukul is an old boy of our family. Old is always Gold,” signaling a reconciliation after years of political estrangement.

Dementia Diagnosis and Legal Setbacks

Roy’s struggle with dementia became publicly evident in 2023 when, during a visit to Delhi, he claimed he was still a BJP MLA despite having rejoined the TMC. The incident raised concerns about his Mental health and political status.

In 2025, the Calcutta High Court ruled that his return to the Trinamool Congress violated the anti-defection law, leading to his disqualification as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. By then, his political involvement had already diminished significantly due to his deteriorating health.

Legacy of Mukul Roy: A Master Strategist of Bengal Politics

Mukul Roy’s political career was marked by sharp strategic insight, dramatic party switches, and an unparalleled understanding of Bengal’s electoral dynamics. Whether as the organisational backbone of the Trinamool Congress or as the architect of the BJP’s rapid rise in West Bengal, Roy remained a central figure in the state’s political narrative.

His passing marks the end of an era in Bengal politics — one defined by shifting alliances, intense rivalries, and the enduring impact of a political mind often compared to Chanakya for its tactical brilliance.