Mukul Roy, the Master Strategist and 'Chanakya' of Bengal Politics, Passes Away at 71
KOLKATA – The curtains have fallen on one of the most intriguing chapters of Indian regional politics. Mukul Roy, the man famously dubbed the “Chanakya of Bengal politics,” passed away early Monday morning, February 23, 2026, at a private hospital in Kolkata. He was 71.
According to family sources at Omni 360 News, Roy suffered a massive cardiac arrest at approximately 1:30 AM. He had been battling a prolonged illness, including dementia and Parkinson’s disease, which had largely kept him away from the public eye in recent years.
The Rise of a Kingmaker
Mukul Roy wasn’t just a politician; he was an architect of power. In 1998, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Mamata Banerjee as a founding member of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). While Banerjee was the fiery face of the movement, Roy was the silent engine working behind the scenes. His uncanny ability to read the political pulse and manage organizational grassroots earned him the reputation of a master strategist.
By the time the TMC ended the 34-year-old Left Front rule in 2011, Roy had solidified his position as the party’s undisputed No. 2. His influence extended to New Delhi, where he served with distinction as the Union Railway Minister and Minister of State for Shipping during the UPA-II regime.
A Journey of Shifting Tides
In a career spanning over four decades, Roy’s political journey saw dramatic shifts that redefined the state’s landscape. In 2017, after a high-profile fallout with the TMC leadership, he made a shock move to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He is widely credited with helping the BJP make deep inroads into West Bengal, leading to their significant 18-seat haul in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
However, the “Chanakya” eventually returned to his roots. In June 2021, shortly after the West Bengal Assembly elections, he rejoined the Trinamool Congress, signaling a homecoming that surprised many in the political fraternity.
A Legacy Remembered
Despite the controversies and the shifting allegiances that often define high-stakes politics, Mukul Roy remained a figure of immense respect across party lines. Leaders from both the TMC and BJP expressed their condolences, noting his unparalleled grasp of organizational politics and his ability to build bridges.
As the state mourns, the passing of Mukul Roy marks the end of a specific brand of “backroom” brilliance that shaped West Bengal for a generation. He leaves behind a legacy of strategic masterclasses that will be studied by political aspirants for years to come.
