Kolkata, Feb 23: Former Railway Minister and senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mukul Roy passed away on Monday at the Apollo Hospital in Salt Lake, Kolkata. He was 65 years old.

Roy suffered a cardiac arrest at 1:30 am, as confirmed by his son, Subhranshu Roy. The sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the political community.

Mukul Roy was a key figure in West Bengal politics, having played an instrumental role in the formation of the TMC. On June 11, 2021, he rejoined the party, along with his son, in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Roy's passing has been met with tributes from various political leaders. BJP leader Dilip Ghosh expressed his respect for the late politician, recalling his time in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from 2019 to 2021. "He was an experienced politician who earned much respect. He served as a Union Minister and was an important member of the BJP during his time with us. Though he could not actively participate in politics in the last few years due to illness, I pray that his soul rests in peace," Ghosh said.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari also expressed his sorrow over Roy's death. "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. Om Shanti," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Roy had a varied political career, serving as a Rajya Sabha MP and the Railway Minister. A founding member of TMC, he made a significant shift in 2017, joining the BJP. He contested and won the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections from Krishnangar Uttar, defeating TMC candidate and actor Koushani Mukherjee. However, following the TMC’s victory in the elections, Roy rejoined the party along with his son Shubranshu Roy.

Roy’s political journey was marked by significant contributions to both the TMC and BJP, and his passing has left a void in West Bengal’s political landscape.