TNI Bureau: Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and former Union Railway Minister Mukul Roy passed away on Sunday, leaving behind a significant political legacy in West Bengal and national politics. He was reportedly unwell for some time and had largely stayed away from active political engagements in recent months.

A founding member of the All India Trinamool Congress, Roy was considered one of the closest associates of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the formative years of the party. He played a crucial role in building the party’s organisational base across the state and was widely regarded as a key strategist behind several electoral victories.

In 2012, Roy briefly served as India’s Railway Minister under the United Progressive Alliance government headed by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. His tenure came during a politically sensitive period for the ministry.

Roy’s political journey saw dramatic shifts over the years. In 2017, he left the Trinamool Congress and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, emerging as an influential leader in the party’s West Bengal unit. However, following the 2021 Assembly elections, he returned to the Trinamool Congress, marking yet another significant turn in his career.

Leaders from various political parties expressed condolences over his demise, acknowledging his long association with public life and his role in shaping West Bengal’s contemporary political narrative.

Further details regarding funeral arrangements are awaited.