Former Union minister Mukul Roy dies at 71, PM Modi, leaders across parties pay tribute

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed deep grief over the passing of former Union Minister Shri Mukul Roy, remembering him as a leader of immense political experience who dedicated his life to the service of society. In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote: "Pained by the passing of former Union Minister Shri Mukul Roy Ji. He will be remembered for his political experience and efforts to serve society. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti." The message was issued by the Prime Minister's Office at 10:21 AM on February 23, 2026.

Mukul Roy passed away due to cardiac arrest at 1:30 AM on Sunday at Apollo Hospital, Salt Lake, Kolkata. He was 71 years old and had been in a coma for several days. Roy had been battling serious ailments including dementia, Parkinson's disease , diabetes, and had undergone brain surgery for hydrocephalus in 2023.

Born on April 17, 1954, Roy began his political journey with the Youth Congress before becoming a founding member of the All India Trinamool Congress in 1998. A close ally and trusted confidant of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee , he served as the party's general secretary and was widely regarded as Bengal's "Chanakya" for his sharp political acumen. He played a decisive role in ending decades of Left Front rule in the landmark 2011 West Bengal Assembly elections . When Roy returned to TMC in 2021 after a brief stint with the BJP, Mamata Banerjee warmly welcomed him back, saying, "Mukul is an old boy of our family. Old is always gold."

Roy served as Union Railway Minister under the UPA government and later joined the BJP in 2017, significantly boosting the party's presence in West Bengal. His final years were marked by prolonged illness and a Supreme Court-stayed disqualification ruling by the Calcutta High Court under the anti-defection law.

Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari , and several other senior leaders expressed their condolences. Adhikari wrote on X: "Deeply disheartened 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." Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee , who shared a decades-long bond with Roy, is also among those who mourned the loss of her oldest political ally.

India mourns the loss of one of its most consequential regional political figures. He is survived by his son, Subhranshu Roy.